Justin Gonzales was not alone in representing the Red Sox at the 2024 Dominican Summer League All-Star Game earlier this year. He was also joined by fellow countryman Anderson Fermin.
Like Gonzales, Fermin signed with the Red Sox for $400,000 as an international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic in January. Even before making his professional debut in June, the Puerto Plata native was identified by Baseball America’s Ben Badler as a name to know from Boston’s signing class given his speed and athleticism.
A switch-hitter, Fermin batted .293/.408/.337 with six doubles, one triple, 23 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, 35 walks, and 22 strikeouts in 49 regular season games (224 plate appearances) for DSL Red Sox Red. The 18-year-old outfielder then went 9-for-30 (.300) with four RBIs in seven playoff contests to help the organization secure its first DSL title since 2016.
Among the 57 DSL hitters who made at least 200 trips to the plate during the regular season, Fermin ranked third in swinging-strike rate (13.3 percent), fourth in strikeout rate (9.8 percent), 16th in batting average, 19th in on-base percentage, and 20th in walk rate (15.6 percent), per FanGraphs.
On the other side of the ball, Fermin was scouted as a shortstop but was used almost exclusively as a center fielder with DSL Red Sox Red in 2024. The projectable 5-foot-11, 174-pounder logged a team-leading 339 1/3 innings in center, where he recorded three outfield assists and committed one error in 92 defensive chances. He also made one start in left field and eight at DH.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero said of Fermin when speaking with The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier last month. “Really good feel for finding ways to get on base via walk, using his speed, spraying line drives around, and can really play center field.”
Fermin, who just turned 18 in September, is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as the No. 52 prospect in Boston’s farm system. Though there are questions about whether or not he will be able to tap into his power, Fermin is expected to make his stateside debut in the Florida Complex League next year.
(Picture of Anderson Fermin via his Instagram)
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