Rio Gomez reflects on his baseball career and playing in the WBC

With Spring Training in full swing, Red Sox fans have gotten a look at various prospects who may play important roles for Boston in the years to come. That list includes the likes of pitchers such as Bryan Mata, Brandon Walter, and Chris Murphy. However, they are not the only players to keep an eye on, as Boston farmhand Rio Gomez is now in the midst of his second major league spring training.

Boston selected the University of Arizona product in the 36th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. For Gomez, the draft process is something he will never forget.

“It was a very stressful time, “said Gomez. “I kept waiting for a call and turned my TV off at one point and went upstairs. I was with my parents that night and when I was selected, they called me down. It was the most stressful and happiest day of my life.”

After making his professional debut in 2017, Gomez has steadily climbed through the Red Sox system and finished the 2023 campaign in Double-A. In 126 appearances in the minors, he has posted a 3.27 ERA and struck out 241 batters. In that span, the 28-year-old has recorded ten saves.

While the Miami native struggled last year with a 6.55 ERA in 24 games, he has arrived at spring training with a new mindset. Gomez said that this year his goal is to focus on “being in the moment.” He struck out more than a batter per inning last year but did, however, allow eight home runs in the process. Gomez is embracing the presence of pristine baseball minds around him in a Red Sox camp full of talent, both in the form of active and ex-players. Among those whose playing days are behind them that have shown face at camp this spring include the likes of David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez.

“It speaks to the history and culture of the Red Sox to have guys like that at camp,” said Gomez. “Ortiz is just like he is on TV personality-wise. I haven’t been able to work with Pedro personally, but that’s something I really want to do. Hopefully, I get to that before camp ends.”

In three appearances this spring, Gomez has posted an 11.57 ERA and allowed two home runs. While those numbers may not jump off the page, he has held opponents to a .222 batting average. Regardless of struggles or success, Gomez’s mindset has stayed the same this spring.

“I try not to get too high or too low",” Gomez said. “It’s a long season, especially for pitchers full of ups and downs.”

While he is slated to begin the 2023 season in Portland, the former 1,091st overall pick is only two levels away from fulfilling his ultimate goal. Regardless of what the future entails, he is grateful for his time as a member of the Red Sox organization.

“I am fortunate to play in the Sox system,” Gomez said. “I have been able to play in some great cities like Greenville. Of all the cities that I’ve had to travel to play in, Brooklyn would probably be my top one.”

At the moment, Gomez is away from the Red Sox, donning a Team Columbia jersey in the first World Baseball Classic since 2017 and fulfilling a lifelong goal.

“The experience has just begun, but it’s been incredible so far,” said Gomez. “Getting the opportunity to represent my mom’s country and her side of the family is a dream come true.”

When he returns to action at the conclusion of the tournament, that mindset he embraced is sure to be an asset to leverage his success as a professional athlete.