2023 Prospects

[moonslav59]

I haven't heard about an injury in late 2022. He wasn't missing starts and they didn't put him on any inning limitations. He threw 7 innings on 9/22.

 

I was thinking, maybe his sharp drop in effectiveness was due to some minor injury that was never mentioned or even noticed.

 

He could also have just gotten tired.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Perales looks like the best bet right now. A lot of plus potential. Dombro would deal him by August 1, then swipe him in the Rule V draft.

[mvp 78]

I was thinking, maybe his sharp drop in effectiveness was due to some minor injury that was never mentioned or even noticed.

 

He could also have just gotten tired.

 

Being tired may make some sense as his ERA dropped every month from June onward.

[mvp 78]

Perales looks like the best bet right now. A lot of plus potential. Dombro would deal him by August 1, then swipe him in the Rule V draft.

 

Bloom playing 5d chess by letting Perales leave via Rule 5 draft because he wouldn't be able to stick on someone else's roster.

[moonslav59]

Bloom playing 5d chess by letting Perales leave via Rule 5 draft because he wouldn't be able to stick on someone else's roster.

 

A pretty common occurrence with many players and GMs, every winter, right?

 

Next year's Rule 5 List:

 

(with SP's ranking, if top 60)

 

Rivaldo Avila

Angel Bastardo #42

Brock Bell

Bradley Blalock

Royman Blanco

Brainer Bonaci #16

Zach Bryant

Maceo Campbell

Allan Castro #44

Brendan Cellucci

Felix Cepeda

Juan Chacon #52

Casey Cobb

Nathanael Cruz

Osvaldo De La Rosa

Luis De La Rosa

Nick Decker

Kelvin Diaz

Jordan DiValerio

Shane Drohan #22

Juan Daniel Encarnacion #43

Alex Erro

Albert Feliz

Durbin Feltman

Ryan Fernandez #27

Ryan Fitzgerald #54

Grant Gambrell

Jhon Garcia

Jhostynxon Garcia

Wikelman Gonzalez #12

Bryan Gonzalez

Devlin Granberg

Alexis Hernandez

Graham Hoffman

Gabriel Jackson

Joe Jacques

Lyonell James

Gilberto Jimenez

Christian Koss #33

Robert Kwiatkowski

Chih-Jung Liu

Eduardo Lopez #50

Blake Loubier

Bryan Lucas

Matthew Lugo #14

Naysbel Marcano

Elih Marrero

Yorberto Mejicano

Jose Mendez

Ryan Miller

Henry Morales

Henry Nunez

Yusniel Padron-Artiles

Eddinson Paulino #11

Luis Perales #10

Railin Perez

Jose Ramirez

Oscar Rangel

Jorge Rodriguez

Ronald Rosario

Cesar Ruiz

Johnfrank Salazar #37

Stephen Scott #40

Cody Scroggins

Reidis Sena

Chase Shugart #57

Karson Simas

Nick Sogard

Cesar Soto

Dylan Spacke

Joey Stock

Luis Talavera

Nate Tellier

Freddy Valdez

Michael Valera

Brian Van Belle

Eduardo Vaughan

Diego Viloria

Jeremy Wu-Yelland

Alex Zapete

Ryan Zeferjahn #58

[mvp 78]

More likely that they focus on retaining pitching prospects if anything:

Perales (depending on if he stays healthy all year)

Wikelman (depending on his production this year)

Fernandez (health)

 

Bonaci/Paulino are both UTIL type guys in this org, would that force one of them onto the 40 man?

Lugo is dependent on what strides he continues to make at the plate this year.

If Scott is dependable behind the dish, he could be protected. His defense is "functional" but more of the 1B/LF/C roleplayer type.

[moonslav59]

More likely that they focus on retaining pitching prospects if anything:

Perales (depending on if he stays healthy all year)

Wikelman (depending on his production this year)

Fernandez (health)

 

Bonaci/Paulino are both UTIL type guys in this org, would that force one of them onto the 40 man?

Lugo is dependent on what strides he continues to make at the plate this year.

If Scott is dependable behind the dish, he could be protected. His defense is "functional" but more of the 1B/LF/C roleplayer type.

 

Sounds about right. Probably one or two from Bonaci, Pauilino and Lugo will shine, this summer.

 

Does Drohan have hopes?

[moonslav59]

#8 Brandon Walter

 

Physical Description: Left-hander with a medium frame. Not much projection remaining. Looks listed height and weight.

Mechanics: Throws from a three-quarters arm slot. Atypical delivery with effort, but it works for him and he repeats it well. Starts angled toward the first base dugout on the middle of the mound, hands by his face before sliding toward third base during wind-up. Swings arm behind with a medium leg kick before coming forward. Short arm action with a hook behind. Hides the ball well before delivery. Will spin and recoil on follow through.

Fastball: 90-93 mph, tops out at 95 mph. Throws both four-seam and two-seam varieties. Can control both, but shows better feel for two-seam with heavy, arm-side run. Slightly below-average spin rate. Potential above-average command profile. Ability to miss bats is dependent on command, as it is not an overpowering pitch. Designed to elicit weak contact primarily, but has shown the ability to dial it up at times. Velocity jumped in 2021 to 92-94 mph, but in 2022 was back in the low-90s primarily, dropping into the high-80s at times. Potential average offering.

Changeup: 80-83 mph. Advanced feel and confidence in pitch. Will throw in any count to hitters on both sides. Throws with the same arm speed as his fastball. Pitch drops off the table late. Really can pull the string on it and elicit lots of swinging strikes. Very high spin rate for a changeup. Command can be spotty at times and will leave up in the zone on occasion. Potential plus offering.

Slider: 80-83 mph. Slurvy, long, two-plane break. 2-to-8 shape. Average spin rate with significant horizontal movement. Feel comes and goes during outings, but has shown the ability to land it for strikes. Tough pitch for left-handed hitters to read; starts right at their body before breaking across the plate. Needs to get more consistent finishing the pitch, as sometimes it will come in loose and hang. Potential plus offering.

Career Notes: Had Tommy John surgery in 2017, missing most of that season and all of the 2018 season. Late-round senior sign in 2019. Stuff improved considerably due to work put in during the cancelled 2020 season, leading to one of the more improbable breakouts in recent memory in 2021. Rose from being something of an afterthought in the Low-A bullpen to begin the 2021 season to being a top-10 prospect in the system in the Triple-A rotation in less than a calendar year. Participated in the Fall Performance Program in 2021. Participated in the 2022 Winter Warm-Up. Did not pitch after June 7 in 2022 due to a bulging disc in his upper back originally diagnosed as a neck strain. Added to the 40-man roster in November 2022 to protect him from selection in the Rule 5 Draft. Participated in 2023 Rookie Development Program.

Summary: Potential back-end starter. Ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. Will show a starter's arsenal with three average-or-better pitches and the ability to turn over a lineup, but does not have a typical starter's delivery. Control is already above-average-to-plus and command should get to at least average. You can debate whether he fits better as a starter or reliever depending on the day you see him. Has some traits that would push him to each potential outcome, but has the makings of a major league-caliber arm either way. If pushed to the bullpen, combination of stuff and handedness gives him a decent floor.

#9 Roman Anthony, OF

 

Physical Description: Tall, projectable frame. Looks the part. Has the frame to support added muscle as he physically matures.

Hit: Starts open with his hands high. Uses an abbreviated leg kick that he gets down early. Good separation in his swing. Smooth uppercut bat path with a two-hand finish. Good bat speed, makes very hard contact. Utilizes his lower half efficiently and really rotates through the hips. Pitch recognition and ability to hit velocity are question marks right now. In the early stages of developing an approach.

Power: Plus-to-better raw power. Very impressive raw power. Has a swing designed to drive the ball with loft and backspin and has shown the ability to hit the ball 400-plus feet. Plus power potential.

Run: Average speed. Likely to lose speed as he physically matures.

Defense: Red Sox believe he can stick in center field long-term, but others believe he ends up in a corner. Does not project as a standout defender in either location. Average defensive profile.

Arm: Average arm strength

Career Notes: Attended the same high school as Anthony Rizzo, Jesus Luzardo and Coby Mayo. Committed to Ole Miss. Named Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior and won back-to-back state titles to end his high school career.

Summary: Very intriguing power prospect with the ceiling of an everyday outfielder. How his hit tool develops will determine how much of his power potential actualizes. Power is a carrying tool and is very impressive for his age. Should develop into a solid defender also, but what he does at the plate will be his calling card.

[mvp 78]

Sounds about right. Probably one or two from Bonaci, Pauilino and Lugo will shine, this summer.

 

Does Drohan have hopes?

 

I honestly haven't followed Drohan all that closely. His stuff isn't all that interesting. He's maybe an up and down arm. Back of the rotation/relief guy? There are so many of those that I don't get excited. I want the guys with the high ceilings.

[moonslav59]

I honestly haven't followed Drohan all that closely. His stuff isn't all that interesting. He's maybe an up and down arm. Back of the rotation/relief guy? There are so many of those that I don't get excited. I want the guys with the high ceilings.

 

So, he'd have to step up his game to be protected from Rule 5, next winter.

[Hugh2]

So, he'd have to step up his game to be protected from Rule 5, next winter.

 

I think he would have to step up his game to get selected.

[moonslav59]

#7 Mikey Romero, SS

 

Physical Description: Athletic frame with some remaining projection. Not overly physical and could stand to add strength and fill out.

Hit: Starts slightly open with his hands high. Very smooth and controlled swing. Has bat speed. Limited stride. Really good hands. Seen as one of the most advanced high school hitters in the draft class. Good pitch recognition and advanced approach for his age. Makes a lot of contact and hits the ball hard. Potential above-average hit tool.

Power: Wide range of opinions on his power ability. Needs to add strength and swing right now is designed more for hard line drives than over-the-fence power. Potential fringe-average game power.

Run: Fringe-average speed.

Field: Soft hands and strong instincts at shortstop. Some evaluators think he can stick at short, while others think he profiles best at second base long-term. Will not be a standout defender, but a potential average defender at shortstop.

Arm: Average arm strength.

Career Notes: Played travel ball growing up in Southern California with Red Sox 2021 first-round pick Marcelo Mayer. Played for Team USA. Comes from a very athletic family. Eldest sister Sierra was a star for the University of Michigan softball team and older sister Sydney starred at the University of Oklahoma, and both now play professional softball for Athletes Unlimited. Was originally committed to Arizona, but changed his commitment to LSU to follow head coach Jay Johnson. Was set to participate in the 2022 Fall Performance Program that was cancelled due to Hurricane Ian.

Summation: Potential bat-first middle infielder. Unclear if he can stick at shortstop long-term, but if he hits, has the offensive ability to carry him at either second base or in the outfield. Has one of the most advanced bats in the high school class.

 

#6 Bryan Mata, RHP

Physical Description: Tall, sturdy pitcher's frame. Has filled out considerably since signing, especially in his lower half. High waist and long limbs. Has filled out in his upper half as well. Was listed at 160 pounds when he signed. Returned from Tommy John surgery in very good condition.

Mechanics: Throws from a three-quarters arm slot with effort in his delivery. Very quick arm. Starts on the first base side and does not utilize a wind-up, although he had in the past. Deceptive arm action. Somewhat deliberate going back, then whips arm forward. Arm-heavy delivery, does not do a great job incorporating his lower half, but has gotten better at doing so in recent years. Works fast, which can cause his delivery to get out of whack. Could perhaps stand to slow things down a bit. Release point can get inconsistent and he tends to overthrow at times, especially as he works deeper into games and tires. Needs to improve consistency with his delivery. Because of how quick his arm is, it can get out ahead of the rest of his delivery, causing him to constantly yank the ball glove-side.

Fastball: 94-98 mph. Tops out at 100 mph. Pitch sat 96-97 mph in 2020 in shorter outings at the Alternate Training Site and was still sitting there after he returned from Tommy John in 2022. Added significant velocity in 2018; pitch used to sit 90-92, topping out at 94. Throws two variations, a four-seam at 96-98 mph and two-seam at 94-96 mph. Threw primarily four-seam fastballs in outing scouted in 2022. Still learning to harness that velocity and needs to work on command and control. Fastball shows sink down in the zone and some life when elevated, though it is easier to hit than you would expect given its velocity. Too often, he will lose his delivery and release point and his fastball control will suffer as a result. Still struggles to locate arm-side. Has a tendency to yank his fastball glove-side. Potential plus pitch, but a lot depends on how his command develops.

Slider: 86-90 mph. Added pitch coming into Spring Training 2019. Initially, pitch was longer and looked like a slider at lower velocities and more like cutter when thrown harder. In 2020 looks, pitch had become a more defined slider with sharp, late break. Has really taken to the pitch and improved his feel and confidence in it as he has used it more. Pitch gives him another weapon to throw at hitters in a new velocity band. Pitch will flash plus potential with depth, but has not constantly snapped off in return from Tommy John and the pitch has shown the tendency to roll to the plate. Potential solid-average offering if he can find more consistency with it.

Curveball: 77-79 mph. 11-to-5 break and two-plane movement. When he snaps it off, pitch will show depth. Can throw pitch in the zone and is comfortable doing so. Will often use to steal a strike early in the count, but has shown the ability to backdoor the pitch to left-handed hitters when ahead in the count as well. Will flash more potential, but lack of consistency pulls down grade. Potential average offering.

Changeup: 87-89 mph. Throws with deceptive arm speed. Velocity has increased from 82-83 mph as fastball velocity increased. Pitch is on the firm side, but feel is improving and pitch shows late fade. Has shown the ability to turn the pitch over down in the zone against left-handed hitters on occasion. Potential average-to-better offering, but that grade is fluid.

Career Notes: Expected to sign with the Brewers in July 2015 at the start of the international signing period, but a groin injury derailed that agreement and he rehabbed the injury on his own before signing with the Red Sox in January 2016 for what was likely a much smaller bonus. Impressed at 2016 Fall Instructional League. Fit description of (and likely was) unnamed player whom Red Sox reportedly declined to include in trade talks during 2016-17 offseason. Started the 2017 season in extended spring training before being promoted to Greenville at the end of May. Was promoted aggressively early in his career: was the youngest player in the South Atlantic League in 2017 and in the Carolina League in both 2018 and 2019. Pitched just once after July 10 in 2018 due to a back injury. Missed a month with shoulder soreness in 2019. Pitched at the Alternate Training Site in 2020, suffering a hamstring injury in late August that caused him to miss his last couple of starts. Participated in the 2020 Fall Instructional League. Suffered a slight UCL tear in March 2021 and underwent Tommy John Surgery on April 13, 2021. Participated in the Fall Performance Program in 2021 as a rehabber. Returned to games on a rehab assignment in June 2022 and returned to Portland and was activated at the end of that month. Participated in 2023 Rookie Development Program.

Summation: Projects as a back end starter or multi-inning relief arm with premium stuff to handle a late inning role if necessary. Ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. till has a wide range of outcomes as he makes his return from Tommy John surgery. Raw stuff is back, but feel for secondaries and command come and go within outings. Might be able to start, but could be more effective in shorter bursts out of the bullpen. Delivery still has effort and we need to see how his stuff holds up over longer, 5-6-inning stints and when pitching on a consistent starter's schedule. Will show the potential for a true four-pitch mix with two potential plus offerings. Has shown the ability to miss bats with all four pitches at various points in his career. Harnessing command of his arsenal will be key for his development. Injury risk had become a concern even pre-Tommy John surgery, as he last made it through a full season healthy in 2017. Tommy John Surgery in April 2021 clouds future starter profile.

[mvp 78]

@jaysonst

I’ve never seen this. Luis Ravelo of the Red Sox was hit by a broken bat while running to 3rd base in the 9th.

 

His knee was examined by a doctor afterward. But Alex Cora reports it appears to be just a bruise. And “he was more stunned than anything.”

 

Ravelo was initially helped off the field.

[Bellhorn04]

@jaysonst

I’ve never seen this. Luis Ravelo of the Red Sox was hit by a broken bat while running to 3rd base in the 9th.

 

His knee was examined by a doctor afterward. But Alex Cora reports it appears to be just a bruise. And “he was more stunned than anything.”

 

Ravelo was initially helped off the field.

 

We've seen parts of broken bats fly a pretty good distance before, though.

[mvp 78]

We've seen parts of broken bats fly a pretty good distance before, though.

 

I think Stark was just saying that he's never seen a runner get hit with a broken bat and helped off the field like that. One in a million shot.

[Bellhorn04]

I think Stark was just saying that he's never seen a runner get hit with a broken bat and helped off the field like that. One in a million shot.

 

Yep. Like the poor guy at the Indy 500 who got killed by a tire that flew over the fence into the stands.

[Larry Cook]

Are yorke and Koss redundant in our farm system???

[mvp 78]

Are yorke and Koss redundant in our farm system???

 

Koss can play multiple IF positions. Yorke can barely play 2b.

 

Koss has a suspect bat. Yorke has a high ceiling bat that could move to a corner OF position if it plays up.

[moonslav59]

Are yorke and Koss redundant in our farm system???

 

Kike’s control ends, this year. We have Story and Arroyo, then Chang, Hamilton and ______.

 

I say middle IF redundancy is needed.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Kike’s control ends, this year. We have Story and Arroyo, then Chang, Hamilton and ______.

 

I say middle IF redundancy is needed.

 

Mayer will be the shortstop before most of us expect it. Kike needs to be back in center ASAP; the outfield looked hapless yesterday -- yes, they were dealing with sun and wind, but those aren't abnormal elements of weather on Earth.

[mvp 78]

Mayer will be the shortstop before most of us expect it. Kike needs to be back in center ASAP; the outfield looked hapless yesterday -- yes, they were dealing with sun and wind, but those aren't abnormal elements of weather on Earth.

 

Both the starting LFer and RFer were still playing in the WBC last night. We'll have to see how their defense can hold up.

 

I agree on Mayer. He has a skillset that could rocket him through the organization. I'm bullish on his timeline.

[mvp 78]

PTBNL acquired from Royals

On Sunday, the Red Sox acquired infield prospect Angel Pierre from the Royals as the player to be named later in the Adalberto Mondesi/Josh Taylor trade from January. Pierre, 19, signed with Kansas City as an international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic last winter. The right-handed hitter spent the 2022 season in the Dominican Summer League and batted 300/.424/.500 with 11 doubles, four triples, two home runs, 19 RBIs, 23 runs scored, nine stolen bases, 21 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 33 games (125 plate appearances) while seeing the majority of his playing time come at third base. He has been assigned to Boston's Florida Complex League affiliate.

[moonslav59]

4-5 prospects per soxprospects.com:

 

#5 Nick Yorke, 2B

Physical Description: Sturdy frame. Filled out for his age. Thick lower half. Lost 25 pounds between his draft year and first full pro season. Some remaining projection, mainly in his upper body, and could stand to add some strength.

Hit: Typically has started open with his hands by his chest. In 2022 Arizona Fall League, experimented with starting with his hands up and bat pointed behind him before getting to the same load position. Utilizes a slight leg lift timing device. Advanced hit tool. Strong feel for hit. Has bat speed and a very fluid, compact swing. Two-handed finish. Good barrel control. Advanced approach for his age. Willing to use all fields, but did get pull happy in 2022 at times as he tinkered with his mechanics. Good separation in his swing. Makes good swing decisions and rarely expands the zone. Consistently makes solid contact. Has shown the ability to turn on velocity up in the zone already. Potential plus hit tool.

Power: Average raw power. In-game power is still developing, but should get to fringe-average at least. Has shown the ability to impact the baseball. Power potential is somewhat limited by swing path, which is more designed for hard line drives.

Run: Fringe-average speed. Plays faster than his raw speed due to baserunning instincts. Could get slower as he ages.

Field: Fringe-average range, but has soft hands. Can be robotic at times and a little stiff. Comfortable charging the ball and throwing on the run. Has a chance to stick at second base but will never be a standout defender. Played shortstop in high school but moved to second base after signing. Potential fringe-average defender.

Arm: Fringe-average arm strength.

Career Notes: Mother was a four-time All-American softball player at Fresno State. First came onto the system's radar because of Fresno State connection between his mother and scout Josh Labandeira. Brothers Joe and Zach play college baseball at Cal Poly-SLO (after transferring from Boise State when that school cut its baseball program) and Grand Canyon University, respectively. Had shoulder surgery before his junior year and was limited to DH duty that spring while his shoulder healed. Selection in the first round surprised many and defied public draft rankings, but Red Sox amateur scouting department was convinced both that he would have been more generally regarded as a first-round talent but for the cancellation of the spring season and that he would not have been available with the team's next pick, in the third round. Was added to the Club Player Pool very late in the 2020 season, impressing with quality at-bats against much older competition in about a week-and-a-half at the Alternate Training Site. Participated in the 2020 Fall Instructional League. Participated in the 2021 Fall Performance Program. Participated in 2022 Winter Warm-Up. Entered the 2022 season as a consensus top-50 prospect. Struggled through multiple injuries in 2022, missing roughly a week-and-a-half in May/June with turf toe, two weeks in June due to back stiffness, and another two weeks in July with left wrist soreness that briefly popped up during the Arizona Fall League, costing him about another week. Unclear to what degree the injuries contributed to his down season at the plate, but certainly contributed somewhat.

Summation: Potential bat-first utility type. Ceiling of an everyday regular. 2022 was a step back, but could partially be attributed to injuries. At his best, he has one of the most advanced hit tools in the system and one of the most polished in all of minor league baseball. Outstanding makeup and work ethic. Does not project to add much value defensively. Bat would be more valuable at second base, but will potentially play pretty much anywhere if he is unable to stick there. Injury history is somewhat concerning, and will need to be monitored after an injury-plagued 2022.

 

 

#4 Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/SS

Physical Description: Small, athletic. Very twitchy. Has grown since he entered the organization, but still is relatively slight of frame. Does not have a frame to add significant weight, but is sneaky strong for his size.

Hit: Starts slightly open and utilizes a short, leg lift timing device. Stance, load, and swing are visually reminiscent of Mookie Betts. Gets his foot down and gets through with his hands. Quick hands, plus bat speed. Good bat control and contact skills. Aggressive approach that needs considerable refinement. Does not walk much and expands the strike zone often, but has the bat control to put the ball in play, leading to a lot of weak contact on pitches outside the zone rather than the strikeouts that might otherwise result from a similar approach. Will expand the zone particularly often against breaking balls. How his approach develops will determine where his hit tool ends up. Potential fringe-average hit tool.

Power: Produces average exit velocities. Will show above-average power in batting practice to all fields. In-game power is more noticeable to the pull side. Potential average in-game power.

Run: Plus speed. Speed plays both on the bases and in the field. Needs to improve baserunning instincts.

Field: Versatile, standout defender. Has shown the potential to be a plus defender all around the diamond. Best position is center field, but organization has also continued to get him reps at shortstop. In the outfield, has really good instincts. Takes really efficient routes and has plus-plus range. Routinely makes highlight reel plays. After exclusively playing the infield in 2018 and 2019, he began playing the outfield in 2021 and immediately showed plus defensive ability there. Named farm system's 2021 and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.

Arm: Plus arm. Quick release. Throws have good carry.

Career Notes: Played in the Little League World Series for Curacao in 2012. Was scouted by former Red Sox pitching prospect Dennis Neuman. Participated in the Fall Instructional League in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Participated in the 2021 Fall Performance Program. Participated in 2022 Winter Warm-Up. Named to the 2022 MLB Futures Game. Finished the 2022 season ranked as a top 100 prospect by some outlets. Was named SoxProspects.com Player of the Year in 2022. Worked out with Team Netherlands at its Kingdom Series in November 2022, signaling that he may be considered for the team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Added to the 40-man roster in November 2022 to protect him from selection in the Rule 5 Draft. Participated in 2023 Rookie Development Program. Entered 2023 as a consensus top 100 prospect.

Summation: Potential bench utility player. Ceiling of an everyday regular who adds considerable value on defense and also contributes some at the plate. Defensive ability and versatility and speed give him a high floor. Could be a plus defender at every position except catcher and first base. Bat lags behind, but has improved considerably in 2022. Approach is what holds him back now and will determine his ultimate value at the plate. Needs to cut down on chasing pitches out of the zone and improve swing decisions and quality of contact.

[moonslav59]

#3 Miguel Bleis, OF

Physical Description: Tall, athletic frame with lots of remaining projection. Looks the part, has the room to add strength without impacting his athleticism.

Hit: Starts slightly open with his hands high. Some pre-pitch hand movement, but consistently ends up in a good hitting position. Utilizes a toe-tap timing device. Good separation in his swing. Quick hands, plus bat speed. Fluid swing. Makes a lot of contact on pitches in the zone and has had no problems with velocity early in his career. Will work counts and has some feel for the strike zone, but still in the early stages of developing his approach. Does expand the zone against quality offspeed pitches, but has shown a willingness to take a walk. When he gets ahead in the count, is aggressive, hunting fastballs he can hit. Ball makes a different sound when he squares it up. Will go to all fields and hits the ball extremely hard for someone his age and is already producing major league-quality exit velocities as a teenager. Still has a ways to go in developing his approach, but shows the raw tools to develop an above-average hit tool.

Power: Will show plus raw power in batting practice. As he physically matures, could add even more raw power. Has already shown the ability to impact the baseball in games as well. Hits the ball extremely hard and can drive the ball with backspin. Shows the makings of all-fields power. Batting practice is very impressive when he lets it go. Potential for plus game power at his peak.

Run: Plus speed. Plays faster than he grades out due to his athleticism and agility. When he moves it is effortless. Covers ground extremely quickly.

Field: Shows good instincts and reads in center field. Plus range. Takes long strides and glides to the ball. Projects to stick in center field, where he could be a plus defender.

Arm: Above-average arm strength. Plenty of arm for center field.

Career Notes: Received the largest bonus in the Red Sox January 2021 international free agent class. Missed the first two weeks of the 2021 season for undisclosed reasons. Participated in the 2021 Fall Performance Program. Entered 2023 as a consensus top 100 prospect.

Summation: Potential everyday player who adds significant value in all facets of the game. High-risk prospect with a wide variance of outcomes. Checks all the boxes you look for in a prospect his age. If he reaches his potential, all five tools could grade at least as average. Raw power is his best current tool, but has the potential to hit for average as well. Has the highest upside of any Latin American prospect in the system. Scouts praised him as the best position player they saw in the FCL during the 2022 season.\

 

#2 Triston Casas, 1B (3B?)

Physical Description: Strong, imposing frame. Thick, fully developed lower half. Will have to work to maintain body and athleticism, but has a strong work ethic and long-term concerns on that issue are minimal. Very long limbs. Has done a good job with conditioning early in his career. Arrived at 2020 Alternate Training Site with a more toned physique.

Hit: Starts slightly open in a slight crouch. Quiet pre-pitch. Utilizes a leg lift timing device and gets his foot down in time. Easy load, hips really fire through. Plus bat speed; whips the bat through the zone. Smooth, fluid swing, especially given his size. Strong feel for hit. Utilizes all fields. Will always have some swing-and-miss in his game, but for someone of his size, he has it well under control. Will take a walk and shows a keen eye at the plate. Has shown a willingness to try adjustments to his swing and to move on if they are not working. Has used a two-strike approach in which he widens his stance and chokes up on the bat, but he has largely abandoned that as he has moved up the ladder. Potential to develop an above-average hit tool.

Power: Plus-plus raw power. Easy all-fields power. Power plays best to the pull side, but has shown the ability to wait back and drive the ball the other way as well. Has the ideal combination of size, strength, and bat speed for a power hitter. Ball really jumps off his bat. Drives the ball with backspin. Was among the Triple-A leaders in hard-hit percentage in 2022. Potential for at least plus in-game power at his peak.

Run: Well below-average speed. Not a part of his game. Will likely continue to get slower as he matures. Smart baserunner, reads the game well.

Field: Confident picking out throws in the dirt. Soft hands and surprisingly fluid actions. Moves well enough for first base. Potential solid-average defender there. Drafted as a third baseman, but footwork was choppy, he lacked range, and looked awkward fielding the ball there given his size.

Arm: Plus arm. Touched the low 90s on the mound in high school. Would have been plenty of arm for third base had he stuck there.

Career Notes: Was an old prospect for his draft class, but reclassified in 2017 and graduated high school early to enter the draft a year earlier. Reportedly put up some of the highest exit velocities in the 2018 high school class. Excelled in showcase events and led Team USA in home runs and RBI on the way to winning the MVP of the U-18 Baseball World Cup. Attended the same high school as Red Sox draft picks CJ Chatham, Shaun Anderson, and Deven Marrero, as well as Eric Hosmer. Had committed to the University of Miami. Tore the UCL in his right thumb diving for a ground ball in his second game after signing and missed the rest of the 2018 regular season after surgery. For first month of 2019, tried to use a pronounced crouch at the plate but struggled (.208/.284/.364, 35% K rate). Returned to a more natural swing, saving crouch for two strikes, and improved drastically, posting great numbers for his age even despite a July slump (.267/.364/.506, 21% K rate). Entered 2020 season as a top 100 prospect. Was a late addition to the Alternate Training Site in 2020, where he impressed as one of the best hitters in Pawtucket despite being one of the youngest and least experienced players there. Participated in the Fall Instructional League in 2018, 2019, and 2020, but did not play in games in 2020. Entered 2021 as a consensus top 50 prospect. Received a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training in 2021. Played for Team USA in the 2021 Americas Olympic Qualifier and at the 2021 Olympics, where he hit three home runs and was named to the All-Olympic Team as the U.S. won the silver medal. Participated in 2022 Winter Warm-Up. Entered 2022 as a consensus top 50 prospect, ranked as high as 19th by Baseball America. Received a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training in 2022. Missed two months with a high ankle sprain between May and July 2022. Entered 2023 as a consensus top 25 prospect.

Summation: Potential everyday regular. Ceiling of an all-star capable of hitting for both average and significant power. Looks the part of a prototypical bat-first first baseman capable of anchoring a lineup. Projects to add some value defensively at first base as well. Hit tool still needs development. Will have to ensure the swing-and-miss in his game does not impact his ability to tap into his power. Strong instincts and feel for the game. Great work ethic and strong clubhouse presence. Student of the game, really looks to hone his craft.

[moonslav59]

#1 Marcelo Mayer, SS

Physical Description: Tall, athletic frame. Loose and projectable with room to add strength as he physically matures. Likely to add good weight upon being introduced to a professional strength and conditioning program. Looks the part.

 

Hit: Starts open and vertical with his hands high. Quiet load with a very short leg lift. Fluid swing with strong feel for hit. Quick hands. Plus bat speed. Very impressive bat control. Ball jumps off his bat and has already shown the ability to turn on velocity. Knows the strike zone and has strong bat-to-ball skills. Advanced approach for a high school hitter. Will use all fields and does not try to do too much at the plate. Potential plus hit tool.

 

Power: Above-average raw power. Strong for his frame with good extension in his swing. Has already shown the ability to drive the ball in the air to all fields. Needs to add some strength, and if he does, will turn doubles in the gap into home runs. Potential for above-average to plus game power at his peak.

 

Run: Fringe-average speed. Good instincts, but not a burner. Will play faster than his foot speed because of how he reads the game.

 

Field: Instinctual defender with very fluid actions. Looks like he is gliding on the field. Soft hands and solid footwork. Moves well and has plenty of range for shortstop. Confident defender; will take a flashy infield. Potential plus defender at short.

 

Arm: Plus arm, plenty for shortstop. Able to make all the throws with plenty of zip.

 

Career Notes: Was seen as the consensus top prospect in the 2021 MLB Draft despite falling to the Red Sox with the fourth pick. First caught attention of scouts while playing with Twins 2019 first-round pick Keoni Cavaco. Switch-hit when he was young but decided to focus on hitting left-handed after the eighth grade. Was committed to USC when drafted. Participated in the 2021 Fall Performance Program. Entered 2022 season as a consensus top 20 prospect. Missed most of a period of about a month in April/May 2022 due to a wrist sprain. Was set to participate in the 2022 Fall Performance Program that was cancelled due to Hurricane Ian. Entered 2023 as a consensus top 10 prospect.

 

Summation: Potential above-average regular. Ceiling of a regular all-star. Has all the tools you look for in future everyday shortstop and the offensive upside to hit at the top of a contending team's lineup. Game comes easy to him. Potential for four above-average-or-better tools. Should be able to stick at shortstop and hit for a high average with power. Hit-over-power at the plate at this point, but both tools project as at least above-average. One of the best, if not the best, defenders in the 2021 draft. Complete profile on both sides of the ball gives him an all-star ceiling.

 

[mvp 78]

@IanMBrowne

Alex Cora specifically asked the player development group to put Nick Yorke on this trip today. He wanted to see him play and see how he has progressed with some of his adjustments coming off a down year in 2022.

 

@jcmccaffrey

Interesting note here on Yorke that Cora wanted to see him play.

 

Yorke arrived in Fort Myers in mid January well before most minor leaguers and has been grinding to get the swing adjustments down. Seems like the work is being noticed.

[mvp 78]

@SoxProspects

Per the MiLB transactions, the Red Sox are making some cuts from minor league camp. RHPs Blake Loubier, Bryan Lucas, and Osvaldo De La Rosa, and IF BJ Vela have been released.

 

Loubier got $500k as a 13th-Rd pick in '19. He topped out at 48th (7/20) in the #SP60. Lucas was ranked once, Aug.' 19, at 58. De La Rosa (not to be confused with Luis) peaked at 51st the month prior. All reached Low-A.

 

Vela spent 2 yrs at the complex after being drafted in '21.

[mvp 78]

https://twitter.com/RedSoxPlayerDev/status/1638966217586139136

 

Not sure I've seen a Nick Yorke defensive highlight before!

[Larry Cook]

I would like to see yorke and Mayer at Worcester by September!

[moonslav59]

I would like to see yorke and Mayer at Worcester by September!

 

Not unrealistic.

 

Soxprospects.com projects this opening day AAA roster:

 

C Alfaro

1B Palka

2B Valdez

3B Koss

SS Hamilton

LF Duran

CF Rafaela

RF Crook

DH Fitzy

Bench:

C: CHamilton & RHern

IF: Goodrum & Diaz

OF: Allen, Wilson

UT: Sogard

 

AA (I can see Kavadas, Abreu, Yorke and Lugo moving up to AAA in 2023.)

C: Scott, Marrero, Erro

1B: Kavadas

2B: Yorke

3B: Lugo

SS: McDonough, Max Ferguson

LF: Jimenez, Dearden

CF: Sikes

RF: Abreu, Rosier

DH: Binelas

 

A+ (I can see all of these first 5 names moving up a level or more in 2023.)

C: Hickey

1B: Jordan

2B: Paulino

3B: Bonaci

SS: Mayer

LF: BGonzalez

CF: E Lopez

RF: Uguedo

DH: Meidroth

 

A- and FCL every day prospects to watch:

C: McElveny & B Brannon

3B: Coffey & FEncarnacion

SS Ravelo

CF: Bleis

RF: Anthony

 

I doubt all these guys move up to AAA in 2023, but if they do, who on the AAA roster gets promoted to MLB, traded, DFA'd or demoted?

 

Kavadas (Palka or CHam/RHern?)

Abreu (Allen or Wilson?)

Yorke (Diaz of Goodrum?)

Lugo (Goodrum or Diaz?)

Mayer (Koss?)