Article: Boston Red Sox's Big Three Prospects Display Big Power In Spring Breakout Game

[Bryan Jaeger]

There were already questions about whether any of the Boston Red Sox's top three prospects would make the Opening Day roster, but their Spring Breakout performances further complicate the questions.

The Boston Red Sox put their top prospects against the Tampa Bay Rays' top prospects in last week's Spring Breakout showcase. All the attention in the game was on this trio of top prospects: Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer. The Red Sox lost 7-5, but these three put on a show.

Campbell and Mayer hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning, and Anthony hit a home run in the fifth inning, which may not have landed yet. There is little doubt that these three will make their MLB debut this year, but the question is when.

Cambell is the only prospect of the three with a clear shot at making the Opening Day roster. Masataka Yoshida is likely starting the season on the injured list, allowing Rafael Devers to fill the designated hitter role, especially since he has yet to make his spring training debut. This opens up a hole at the second base position because Alex Bregman will play at third base.

Campbell has struggled in spring training, hitting 5-30 with 12 strikeouts, but he has shown in the minor leagues that he can produce at the plate. In two seasons, he has hit .327/.439/.546 with 21 home runs and 82 runs batted in.

Anthony making an early MLB debut looked murky a few weeks ago with five outfielders on the 26-man roster, but Wilyer Abreu is unsure of being ready for the start of the season. If Abreu misses time, Anthony should be the player to fill the roster spot, and if Anthony starts the season hot, Abreu could be moved to open the position permanently.

Mayer will likely start the season in Triple-A Worcester. He was promoted there last season but was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a lumbar strain and did not play a game. Due to a shoulder injury, he only played 78 games in 2023, contributing to his lack of experience and delayed MLB debut. Mayer likely needs Trevor Story to get injured to make the 25-man roster.

Although it is unclear if any of the Red Sox's top three prospects will crack the Opening Day roster, Red Sox fans can be excited that the future is bright in Boston.

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