2025 Prospects

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, drewski6 said:

I like the breakdown.  But what if we sign Gio. Or what if we get Gio and Ryan.

Then Early has to go out and win it, and Sandoval becomes a dont look awful in ST.

So I guess, if we acquire 1-2 good SP, then everyone after the "locks" category moves down one slot.

So lets add that asterisk (if you dont mind) and seal it on a virtudal handshake, which i guess would be a nod at the screen

I'm certainly on board if not driving the add a second ace type bandwagon. At least bring Gio back or the like (Keller?)

I've been convince we also need a real big bat addition, too.

IMO, we should trade for a pitcher and sign a bat. (I don't think bring Bregman back counts. We need a big bat plus Bregman or someone like Bregman, too.)

Depending on who we have to trade away for that pitcher, I think I'd be fine with just two really meaningful additions, only.

3 Locks: Crochet, _____ & Bello

Sandoval & Early would be the 4 & 5, unless they look awful in ST'ing.

The rest could help the pen or be on the starter depth chart, or both.

Dobbins, Crawford, Tolle & Harrison

(Criswell & Perales)

That's eleven starters, which about what we started this year with, but we have some pretty good minor league depth of near ready starters in AAA and AA, next season.

[moonslav59]

3 hours ago, drewski6 said:

I mean you have to have surgical precision backdooring that 85 mph cutter

SP's.com says...

Fastball 94-96 "tops out at 98" with "heavy vertical movement."

Cutter 87-90 "newer pitch" that "lacks depth."

Slurve needs tweaking and "potential below-average offering."

Changeup: used mostly vs RHBs. "potential fringe-average."

[Larry Cook]

21 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

SP's.com says...

Fastball 94-96 "tops out at 98" with "heavy vertical movement."

Cutter 87-90 "newer pitch" that "lacks depth."

Slurve needs tweaking and "potential below-average offering."

Changeup: used mostly vs RHBs. "potential fringe-average."

I think Harrison should start next season in Worcester and he should tighten up the secondary stuff 

[moonslav59]

3 hours ago, Larry Cook said:

I think Harrison should start next season in Worcester and he should tighten up the secondary stuff 

A lot depends on adding another SP'er to take Gio's slot or not, or bringing Gio back.

The health of several SP'ers is still in question: Crawford, Dobbins, Sandoval, Fitts and even Criswell. It's hard to know what the pecking order is now, and a lot can change between now and opening week.

[Larry Cook]

2 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

A lot depends on adding another SP'er to take Gio's slot or not, or bringing Gio back.

The health of several SP'ers is still in question: Crawford, Dobbins, Sandoval, Fitts and even Criswell. It's hard to know what the pecking order is now, and a lot can change between now and opening week.

Potential 2026 starting rotation at Worcester of Criswell, dobbins, Fitts, Tolle and Harrison!!  Wow!!  

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

Potential 2026 starting rotation at Worcester of Criswell, dobbins, Fitts, Tolle and Harrison!!  Wow!!  

I think Fitts, Dobbins and or Tolle will start in the ML pen, if they don't win a rotation slot.

Perales will be in the AAA rotation. Holobetz & Paez may be there by AUG.

Maybe by AUG, our AA rotation might be Valera, Fajardo, Witherspoon, Clarke & Aita

[moonslav59]

I can't stop being pumped up at all the starting pitching depth we have in the system, including deep into the far. Every level. Every age group.

MLB: Crochet, Bello, Sandoval, Crawford, Dobbins, Houck ('27) Fitts, Harrison & (Criswell & WinK to pen?)

AAA/MLB: Early, Tolle, Perales, Uberstine, Drohan, (Mullins & Sandlin to pen)

AA/AAA: Paez, Clarke, Aita, Wehunt, Holobetz (Dean & Rogers to pen)

A+/AA: Valera, Fajardo, Witherspoon, Phillips, Eyanson (Tygart & Neely to pen)

A-/A+: Travieso, J Bello, B Morgan, Patton, Ruiz (Brown & Gartrell to pen)

 

[moonslav59]

The everyday prospect list for the Sox took a big hit with graduations by Anthony, Mayer, Narvaez and Campbell. Last year we saw Abreu, Rafaela & DHam matriculate. 

I do still see a lot of promise, but much is speculative, and we do not appear to have any Anthony's hanging around on the farm. I suppose Campbell could still provide a big kick to the offense, butas I pointed out, he is no longer a prospect- just  farm depth, at the moment.

Arias is ranked 2nd, right now. sps.com says this: Potential everyday regular at shortstop. Ceiling of a quality regular who provides value with his glove and contact ability. Hit tool is a standout tool, but lack of power and speed limits upside. Defensive profile provides him a solid floor. High baseball IQ; actively seeks to learn more and improve. Needs to get stronger and continue to physically mature to reach his potential.

Jh Garcia is ranked 5th and could be our 4th OF'er, next year, if we finally pull the OF'er trade many have expected. Potential platoon outfielder. Ceiling of an everyday center fielder. Has consistently improved as he has moved through the system and has multiple pathways now to being a quality major league player. Power-over-hit profile at the plate, with substantial impact ability, especially against lefties. Hit tool development will determine upside, as there are major questions about how he will handle quality pitching. Power is very legit and if given consistent playing time, has 20-plus home run potential. Also brings a solid defensive profile and plus arm, so there is less pressure on his bat due to carry him to the majors. Hard worker who takes instruction very well and has developed substantially in all areas since he signed.

Romero ranks 10th and could be MLB depth at 3B or 2B, next year. Potential bat-first utility player. Ceiling of a second division regular at second base. Showed more power than expected while sacrificing contact in 2024, but came to camp in 2025 showing much more contact ability without sacrificing any power. Needs to continue to show that tightened-up approach and that he can make consistent contact to reach his potential as his chase rate remains high. Has moved down the defensive spectrum in the high-minors already and is not a guarantee to stick in the infield. Pressure on bat increases as he moves down the defensive spectrum. Hard worker who has struggled to stay on the field consistently throughout his career.

Justin Gonzales is 13th and is just 18, but to me he has enormous promise. High-variance prospect with standout size and physicality for his age. Baseball skills are surprisingly advanced and has huge power potential. Hit tool has a wide range of outcomes, but has made a solid amount of contact so far in his career. If the bat clicks, has the offensive profile to be able to hold down a spot even if he ends up at first base or in left field. High-ceiling, low-floor profile, but one of the most intriguing bats in the Red Sox low minors.

Henry Godbout (23rd) got off to a nice start on the farm and is 21 years old. Right-handed hitter with a contact-over-hit profile. Elite contact skills. Fits the mold of college bats the Red Sox have targeted and elevated in recent drafts. Strong candidate for their bat speed program and has a frame of someone who should hit for more power than he showed at Virginia. If he can add bat speed and hit the ball harder more consistently without sacrificing much contact, could develop into an intriguing middle infield prospect.

Enddy Azocar (21st and 18 years old) is all promise, right now. Pop up prospect during Spring Training 2025 who has a nice blend of athleticism and projection. Looks shoehorned into a corner outfield spot, which puts more pressure on his bat. Swing works and has solid contact skills, but needs to make more consistent hard contact. Intriguing prospect with some upside as he physically matures. One to watch for the 2025 FCL season.

Nelly Taylor (19th) was a 22 year old in A+ ball. I'm not sure I can say I have a ton of faith he does anything real special.Potential up-and-down outfielder. Ceiling of an everyday centerfielder. High-variance profile given the questions with his hit tool. Strong defensive profile already, which combined with plus athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect. Raw at the plate with a long way to go with his contact ability. Will go as far as his hit tool allows, but shows potential plus raw power and speed. Solid makeup and willing to put in the work to maximize his tools.

Bleis (12th) and Cespedes (16th) lost a lot of luster, this summer. Castro (24th) has lost the last shred of faith I had in him.

Cason, Ramos & Rivas are very young and have a lot to prove. Mason White could shine, but my sleeper pick from #30 and below is Johanfran Garcia.

[mvp 78]

The five offensive guys I think are interesting: 

Arias

Jhostynxon

Godbout

Gonzales

Taylor

Not much else in the system. I'm ignoring the DSL guys. I think it's way too early to look at them TBH.

[moonslav59]

5 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

The five offensive guys I think are interesting: 

Arias

Jhostynxon

Godbout

Gonzales

Taylor

Not much else in the system. I'm ignoring the DSL guys. I think it's way too early to look at them TBH.

True. Romero is a decent utility man, at best.

[mvp 78]

11 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

True. Romero is a decent utility man, at best.

The k rate is climbing too high for me. If he had Kyle Schwarber type power, I'd overlook it, but he's not that guy. We'll see what next year looks like. Lots of injuries and lots of k's. 

[moonslav59]

6 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

The k rate is climbing too high for me. If he had Kyle Schwarber type power, I'd overlook it, but he's not that guy. We'll see what next year looks like. Lots of injuries and lots of k's. 

He's lucky that the Sox infield utility bar is set at DHam, Grissom and Sogard.

[mvp 78]

43 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

He's lucky that the Sox infield utility bar is set at DHam, Grissom and Sogard.

He may not be as good as Hamilton or Sogard. If he could play SS, he'd definitely get a chance at some point. Being a 2b/3b really limits his upside unfortunately. 

[mvp 78]

 

[moonslav59]

On 9/26/2025 at 8:54 AM, mvp 78 said:

He may not be as good as Hamilton or Sogard. If he could play SS, he'd definitely get a chance at some point. Being a 2b/3b really limits his upside unfortunately. 

True, but DHam sucks at SS, too. Romero might be better at 3B than DHam.

[Larry Cook]

The number and quality of the prospects we have graduated in the last three years is amazing. 
I think our team is primed for some amazing development next season. 

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, Larry Cook said:

The number and quality of the prospects we have graduated in the last three years is amazing. 
I think our team is primed for some amazing development next season. 

True, but most were the last 2 years.

2023 was Casas, Murphy, Bernardino & Kelly ('22 Duran & Bello)

2024: Abreu, Rafaela & Slaten (DHam & Sogard) and Harrison graduated with SFG.

2025: Anthony, Narvaez, Mayer, Campbell & Dobbins (Fitts & Guerrero) 

________________________________

2026? Early, Tolle, Jh Garcia, (Possible: Perales, Sandlin, Romero, Uberstine)

2027: Arias, Clarke, Valera, Taylor (Maybe: Witherspoon, Gonzalez, Phillips & Eyanson)

[Larry Cook]

Anthony in right, rafeala in center and Duran in left and Garcia on the bench! Gotta love a home grown outfield 

[moonslav59]

On 9/30/2025 at 9:31 PM, Larry Cook said:

Anthony in right, rafeala in center and Duran in left and Garcia on the bench! Gotta love a home grown outfield 

If Garcia plays, Duran to DH and Garcia in LF.

If we trade Duran instead:

LF:  Anthony v R/ Garcia v L

CF: Rafaela

RF: Abreu v R/ Anthony v L

[mvp 78]

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/desert-dogs-vs-rafters/2025/10/07/825635/preview

Luis Perales opens up the Arizona Fall League this afternoon. 

[moonslav59]

Soxprospects.com names their 2025 All Star Pitchers:

Tolle, Early, Fajardo, Holobetz & 4 RP'ers...

https://news.soxprospects.com/2025/10/2025-soxprospectscom-all-stars-pitchers.html

[mvp 78]

Slated for two innings or 35 pitches against Glendale, Perales showcased live stuff but had trouble locating it. He walked three of the seven batters he faced while delivering 17 of his 33 pitches for strikes in a 7-3 Rafters win.

Perales' fastball parked at 99 mph and peaked at 101, though it generated just one swing-and-miss in 13 opportunities. The best offering by the Red Sox No. 9 prospect was a cutter that ranged from 86-94 mph, including one at 91 that caught Ryan Galanie (White Sox) looking for a strikeout. His 85-88 mph slider wasn't sharp but his lone changeup provided a swinging K of Travis Honeyman (Cardinals) at 86 mph.

"It just felt good being out there competing and just kind of building off of that," Perales said via translator/Rafters pitching coach Tyler Mark (D-backs). "I felt good, felt strong. The cutter is one of my better secondaries, so just seeing it perform today felt good. It also was just kind of a testament to the hard work I put in during the rehab and on to right now."

[mvp 78]

Brandon Neely also made his pro debut yesterday in the fall league going 3 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K. Probably headed to GRE to SP. 

[moonslav59]

Good to see some velocity from Perales, but he still has a lot to prove.

[mvp 78]

Ian Cundall mentioned a lot of red flags in regards to Arias on the most recent SP podcast. He didn't go into detail, but this was after saying that he was "years away" and that offensively it's all on developing his hit tool. He said Arias is a very hard prospect to project right now. 

[moonslav59]

soxprospects.com updated their rankings

https://www.soxprospects.com/index.html

Here is the biggest jumpers and fallers (remember that some players graduated, so "jumps" can be mostly advancement by attrition):

Jump:

54>20 Uberstine

40>11 Fajardo

13>1 Tolle

18>8 Clarke

19>9 Gonzales

28>22 Mullins

10>5 Early

17>12 Soto

5>2 Arias

4>3 Perales

Unranked to....

4. Witherspoon

14. Phillips

15. Eyanson

16. Godbout

21. Holobetz

23. Travieso

Largest drops:

9>19 Cespedes

8>13 Sandlin

10>6 Romero

15>18 Bleis

________________

Lower Rankings:

UP: 51>27 Azocar, 45>25 Drohan, 58>38 Hoppe, 35>29 Ramos, 34>30 Rivas 26>24 Taylor

Down:

21>59 D Reyes, 22>32 Cason, 24>34 Wehunt, 27>33 Monegro, 36>45 Ingrassia

25>26 Castro (Can't believe he's still top 40.)

 

[moonslav59]

My top 30

1. Early

2. Tolle

3. Jh Garcia

4. Arias

5. Perales

6. Witherspoon

7. Gonzales

8. Valera

9. Clarke

10. Fajardo

11. Soto

12. Godbout

13. Phillips

14,  Holobetz

15. Travieso

16. Eyanson

17. Romero

18. Sandlin

19. Taylor

20. Jo Garcia

21. Paez

22. Mullins

23. Delzine

24. Ramos

25. Rivas

26. Aita

27. Bleis

28. Cespedes

29. Azocar

30. Uberstine

 

 

[mvp 78]

On 10/11/2025 at 9:42 PM, moonslav59 said:

soxprospects.com updated their rankings

https://www.soxprospects.com/index.html

Here is the biggest jumpers and fallers (remember that some players graduated, so "jumps" can be mostly advancement by attrition):

Jump:

54>20 Uberstine

40>11 Fajardo

13>1 Tolle

18>8 Clarke

19>9 Gonzales

28>22 Mullins

10>5 Early

17>12 Soto

5>2 Arias

4>3 Perales

Unranked to....

4. Witherspoon

14. Phillips

15. Eyanson

16. Godbout

21. Holobetz

23. Travieso

Largest drops:

9>19 Cespedes

8>13 Sandlin

10>6 Romero

15>18 Bleis

________________

Lower Rankings:

UP: 51>27 Azocar, 45>25 Drohan, 58>38 Hoppe, 35>29 Ramos, 34>30 Rivas 26>24 Taylor

Down:

21>59 D Reyes, 22>32 Cason, 24>34 Wehunt, 27>33 Monegro, 36>45 Ingrassia

25>26 Castro (Can't believe he's still top 40.)

 

The jumps listed on the front page aren't actually correct. I believe they are from the beginning of the season. The jumps from the previous ranking:

Rank     Player        Last    Chg
1    Payton Tolle    1    0
2    Franklin Arias    2    0
3    Luis Perales    3    0
4    K Witherspoon    4    0
5    Connelly Early    8    3
6    Jhost. Garcia    5    -1
7    Juan Valera    7    0
8    Brandon Clarke    6    -2
9    Justin Gonzales    13    4
10    Mikey Romero    10    0
11    Yhoiker Fajardo    18    7
12    Dorian Soto    11    -1
13    David Sandlin    9    -4
14    Marcus Phillips    14    0
15    Anthony Eyanson    15    0
16    Henry Godbout    23    7
17    Jedixson Paez    17    0
18    Miguel Bleis    12    -6
19    Y. Cespedes    16    -3
20    Tyler Uberstine    20    0
21    John Holobetz    31    10
22    Hayden Mullins    22    0
23    Jesus Travieso    38    15
24    Nelly Taylor    19    -5
25    Shane Drohan    40    15
26    Allan Castro    24    -2
27    Enddy Azocar    21    -6
28    Sadbiel Delzine    25    -3
29    Hector Ramos    28    -1
30    Harold Rivas    32    2
31    Johan. Garcia    36    5
32    Conrad Cason    27    -5
33    Y. Monegro    30    -3
34    Blake Wehunt    26    -8
35    Blake Aita    33    -2
36    Y. Rodriguez    34    -2
37    Starlyn Nunez    43    6
38    Alex Hoppe    53    15
39    Brady Tygart    49    10
40    Mason White    37    -3
41    Matt McShane    35    -6
42    Jorge Rodriguez    39    -3
43    Eduardo Rivera    29    -14
44    Brooks Brannon    45    1
45    Jojo Ingrassia    41    -4
46    Brandon Neely    50    4
47    C. Foutch    44    -3
48    Barrett Morgan    48    0
49    F. Primera        12
50    M. Alcantara    46    -4
51    J. Wu-Yelland    47    -4
52    Maximus Martin        9
53    A. Ehrlicher    54    1
54    Jose Bello    42    -12
55    Anderson Fermin    57    2
56    Jostin Ogando        5
57    Cooper Adams        4
58    Myles Patton    52    -6
59    Dalvinson Reyes    51    -8
60    Jhorman Bravo        2

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

4 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

The jumps listed on the front page aren't actually correct. I believe they are from the beginning of the season. The jumps from the previous ranking:

Rank     Player        Last    Chg
1    Payton Tolle    1    0
2    Franklin Arias    2    0
3    Luis Perales    3    0
4    K Witherspoon    4    0
5    Connelly Early    8    3
6    Jhost. Garcia    5    -1
7    Juan Valera    7    0
8    Brandon Clarke    6    -2
9    Justin Gonzales    13    4
10    Mikey Romero    10    0
11    Yhoiker Fajardo    18    7
12    Dorian Soto    11    -1
13    David Sandlin    9    -4
14    Marcus Phillips    14    0
15    Anthony Eyanson    15    0
16    Henry Godbout    23    7
17    Jedixson Paez    17    0
18    Miguel Bleis    12    -6
19    Y. Cespedes    16    -3
20    Tyler Uberstine    20    0
21    John Holobetz    31    10
22    Hayden Mullins    22    0
23    Jesus Travieso    38    15
24    Nelly Taylor    19    -5
25    Shane Drohan    40    15
26    Allan Castro    24    -2
27    Enddy Azocar    21    -6
28    Sadbiel Delzine    25    -3
29    Hector Ramos    28    -1
30    Harold Rivas    32    2
31    Johan. Garcia    36    5
32    Conrad Cason    27    -5
33    Y. Monegro    30    -3
34    Blake Wehunt    26    -8
35    Blake Aita    33    -2
36    Y. Rodriguez    34    -2
37    Starlyn Nunez    43    6
38    Alex Hoppe    53    15
39    Brady Tygart    49    10
40    Mason White    37    -3
41    Matt McShane    35    -6
42    Jorge Rodriguez    39    -3
43    Eduardo Rivera    29    -14
44    Brooks Brannon    45    1
45    Jojo Ingrassia    41    -4
46    Brandon Neely    50    4
47    C. Foutch    44    -3
48    Barrett Morgan    48    0
49    F. Primera        12
50    M. Alcantara    46    -4
51    J. Wu-Yelland    47    -4
52    Maximus Martin        9
53    A. Ehrlicher    54    1
54    Jose Bello    42    -12
55    Anderson Fermin    57    2
56    Jostin Ogando        5
57    Cooper Adams        4
58    Myles Patton    52    -6
59    Dalvinson Reyes    51    -8
60    Jhorman Bravo        2

Cundall's notes about Arias worry me that he won't turn into the next Lindor.

Like what I've read about Godbout so far -- but wondering, who's his ceiling: Meidroth or Jacob Wilson?

[mvp 78]

33 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Cundall's notes about Arias worry me that he won't turn into the next Lindor.

Like what I've read about Godbout so far -- but wondering, who's his ceiling: Meidroth or Jacob Wilson?

Godbout: 97-00 Nomar is the ceiling (SoxProspects should really go back to having prospect comps again, they were always delightfully unhinged).

Seems like he was leading Arias down a Meidroth path but with better fielding TBH. I do agree that he's not a top 25 guy.