Top Red Sox prospects Franklin Arias and Anthony Eyanson played supporting roles in the American League’s 6-1 win over the National League in Sunday’s All-Star Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park.
Arias started at second base and served as the American League’s two-hole hitter to begin the seven-inning showcase in Philadelphia. The right-handed hitting 20-year-old went 0-for-2 with an RBI and a strikeout. He drove in the game’s first run on an RBI groundout that scored Leo De Vries in the top of the first.
After cleanly fielding the only ball hit his way and recording a putout in the bottom of the third, Arias struck out to lead off the fourth inning in his second and final plate appearance of the afternoon. He was then replaced at second base by Max Anderson in the middle of the fifth.
Arias is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 3 prospect in baseball. The Venezuelan-born infielder has enjoyed a breakout season at Double-A Portland, slashing .325/.411/.596 with 16 doubles, one triple, an organizational-leading 18 home runs, 48 RBIs, 47 runs scored, five stolen bases, 34 walks, and 41 strikeouts through 70 games (309 plate appearances). He has also provided the Sea Dogs with strong defense at shortstop, committing just three errors in 195 chances across 50 starts.
Eyanson, meanwhile, was one of 10 pitchers used by the American League on Sunday. The 21-year-old right-hander worked a scoreless third of an inning after relieving Kendry Chourio in the bottom of the fourth. With one runner on and two outs, he issued a six-pitch walk to the first batter he faced before getting Luis Pena to fly out and retire the side. In all, he threw 12 pitches (five strikes). His fastball sat at 92-94 mph, and he mixed in four sliders and a curveball.
Though he was not on the mound long, Eyanson was ultimately credited with the winning decision. He was the pitcher of record when the American League took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth. Five relievers then combined to toss three scoreless innings the rest of the way.
Eyanson is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 33 prospect in the sport. At this time last year, the California-born righty had not yet even signed his first professional contract after being selected in the third round of the 2025 draft out of Louisiana State. He has since added power to his arsenal and owns a 1.29 ERA with 71 strikeouts to 21 walks through 13 outings (12 starts) spanning 55 2/3 innings between High-A Greenville and Portland to begin his first full pro season.
Both Arias and Eyanson are expected to return to Portland from Philadelphia when the Sea Dogs’ season resumes on Friday. However, it may not be long before either of the top prospects receives a promotion to Triple-A Worcester as the next step in their development.
(Picture of Franklin Arias: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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