Author: Brendan Campbell

Writing about the Red Sox and the Red Sox farm system.

Red Sox’ Antonio Anderson named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for second time this season

Red Sox prospect Antonio Anderson has been named the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week of August 3-9, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Anderson takes home the award for the second time this season, having previously earned the honor for the week of June 22-28. This time, the 21-year-old infielder was a force to be reckoned with in High-A Greenville’s series against the Hudson Valley Renegades at Fluor Field.

Appearing in four of six games, Anderson went 8-for-13 (.615) with two doubles, two home runs, six RBIs, seven runs scored, four walks, and three strikeouts. He went deep in Tuesday’s series opener, doubled on Wednesday, tallied four hits on Friday, and homered again in Sunday’s series finale.

For the season, Anderson is batting .284/.378/.482 with 13 doubles, three triples, a career-high eight home runs, 38 RBIs, 41 runs scored, one stolen base, 30 walks, and 58 strikeouts in 64 games (255 plate appearances) for Greenville. The switch-hitter is slashing .286/.378/.491 in 205 plate appearances against righties from the left side and .279/.380/.442 in 50 plate appearances against lefties from the right side.

Among 85 hitters who have made at least 250 trips to the plate in the South Atlantic League this year, Anderson ranks 12th in batting average, 15th in wOBA (.385) and wRC+ (118), 16th in line-drive rate (25%), 17th in slugging percentage and OPS (.860), 20th in on-base percentage, 30th in isolated power (.197), 33rd in strikeout rate (22.7%), and 41st in swinging-strike rate (12.2%), according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Anderson has split his playing time between the infield corners for Greenville this season. In 34 starts at third base, the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has committed 11 errors in 88 chances over 303 innings. In 27 starts at first base, he has four errors in 221 chances over 249 2/3 innings. He has also made one start at DH.

A former third-round draft pick (83rd overall) in 2023, Anderson is enjoying a resurgent 2026 campaign. The North Atlantic High School product, who forwent his commitment to Georgia Tech by signing with the Red Sox for $1.5 million, has endured his fair share of struggles since making his professional debut three years ago. He was ranked as high as Boston’s No. 22 prospect by Baseball America in 2024, when he was viewed more as a shortstop, but had fallen almost entirely off the radar before this season began.

Anderson, who turned 21 in June, is the first player in the South Atlantic League to earn multiple Player of the Week honors this year. Given his recent performance with Greenville, it is certainly possible that a late-season promotion to Double-A Portland could be in the cards.

(Picture of Antonio Anderson: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jason Gilman to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jason Gilman from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, per the club’s MiLB.com transactions log.

Gilman was Boston’s 16th-round (478th overall) pick in last summer’s draft out of Kean University (N.J.), where he earned 2025 ABCA/Rawlings Division III National Pitcher of the Year honors. Rather than transfer to Ole Miss as a graduate student, the New Jersey native signed with the Red Sox for the slot value of $150,000.

Gilman began his first full professional season at extended spring training in Fort Myers before debuting with Salem on April 25, two days after his 23rd birthday. The left-hander then pitched to a 2.91 ERA with 76 strikeouts to 32 walks across 14 outings (nine starts) spanning 55 2/3 innings for the RidgeYaks. Opposing hitters batted .188/.302/.320 in 232 plate appearances against him.

Among 62 Carolina League pitchers who entered Tuesday having thrown at least 55 innings this year, Gilman ranked first in strikeout rate (32.8%), second in swinging-strike rate (16.8%), third in strikeouts per nine (12.29), fourth in batting average against, fifth in line-drive rate (19.3%), 13th in ERA, 16th in WHIP (1.24), 22nd in FIP (4.04), and 27th in xFIP (4.20). On the flip side, he ranked 44th in walks per nine (5.17) and 46th in walk rate (13.8%), according to FanGraphs.

Though he has twice been named SoxProspects.com’s Pitcher of the Week this season, Gilman is not yet ranked among the outlet’s top Red Sox pitching prospects. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound southpaw features a fastball that has been up to 94.4 mph in-game. He is also capable of mixing in a curveball and changeup.

Gilman is the second Day 2 pick from Boston’s 2025 draft class to make the jump from Salem to Greenville in recent weeks, joining ninth-rounder Jacob Mayers. He will likely make his High-A debut during Greenville’s series against Hudson Valley at Fluor Field this week.

(Picture of Jason Gilman: Gary Streiffer/Flickr)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Devin Futrell to Double-A Portland

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Devin Futrell from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, as first reported by Andrew Parker of SoxProspects.com.

Futrell is on the move for the second time this season. The 23-year-old left-hander opened the 2026 campaign with Low-A Salem, but was quickly elevated to Greenville in mid-April after firing nine scoreless innings across two appearances (one start) for the RidgeYaks.

In his second stint with Greenville, where he ended last season, Futrell posted a 4.22 ERA with 85 strikeouts to 14 walks over 15 outings (12 starts) spanning 74 2/3 innings. Opposing South Atlantic League hitters batted .253/.289/.467 in 305 plate appearances against him.

Among 26 South Atlantic League pitchers who entered play Tuesday having thrown at least 70 innings this year, Futrell ranked first in walks per nine (1.69) and walk rate (4.6%), third in xFIP (3.98), fourth in WHIP (1.17), fifth in strikeout rate (27.9%), seventh in strikeouts per nine (10.25), eighth in FIP (4.39), and 10th in ERA, according to FanGraphs.

Overall, Futrell owns a 3.76 ERA (4.13 FIP) with 95 strikeouts to 14 walks across 17 appearances (13 starts) and 83 2/3 innings between Salem and Greenville this season. He has held opponents to a .233 batting average, while his 4.8% walk rate is among the top marks in the Red Sox organization.

Originally selected in the 10th round of the 2024 draft out of Vanderbilt, Futrell is currently ranked as Boston’s No. 47 prospect by SoxProspects.com. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound lefty throws from a three-quarters arm slot and operates with a four-pitch mix consisting of an 88-90 mph fastball that tops out at 91 mph, a 76-78 mph changeup, a 74-77 mph curveball, and a 79-83 mph slider.

Because he lacks velocity, Futrell — who turns 24 next month — will be tested against tougher competition in the upper minors. Even so, his command profile and pitchability give him upside. He is scheduled to start for Portland and make his Double-A debut against New Hampshire on Friday.

(Picture of Devin Futrell: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Gage Ziehl to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Gage Ziehl from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, per the club’s MiLB.com transactions log.

Ziehl is currently regarded by MLB Pipeline as Boston’s No. 17 prospect, ranking eighth among pitchers in the system. The 23-year-old right-hander has spent all of 2026 to this point with Portland, posting a 4.33 ERA with 96 strikeouts to 18 walks over 17 starts (81 innings). Opposing hitters batted .278/.324/.459 in 354 plate appearances against him.

Among 19 qualified pitchers in the Eastern League entering play this week, Ziehl ranked first in walks per nine innings (2.00) and walk rate (5.1%), second in xFIP (3.51), fifth in FIP (4.13), groundball rate (51.5%), strikeouts per nine (10.67) and strikeout rate (27.1%), sixth in WHIP (1.35), and eighth in swinging-strike rate (12.2%), according to FanGraphs.

Originally selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2024 draft out of Miami, Ziehl has already been involved in two significant trades since entering the professional ranks. Last July, he was dealt to the White Sox for outfielder Austin Slater. Just over six months later, he was again on the move, this time going to the Red Sox for fellow righties Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin (plus cash) in early February.

After splitting his first full season in pro ball between three levels and four affiliates, Ziehl overcame a rocky start and has held his own at Double-A this year. The 6-foot, 223-pound hurler features a strong command profile and a five-pitch mix consisting of a 91-93 mph fastball that tops out at 95 mph, an 88-91 mph cutter, an 83-87 mph sweeper, a 79-82 mph curveball, and an 86-88 mph changeup.

Ziehl joins Blake Wehunt and John Holobetz as notable Red Sox pitching prospects who have made the jump from Portland to Worcester this season. After last pitching on Sunday, his Triple-A debut will likely come in the latter half of the WooSox’ upcoming series against Lehigh Valley at Polar Park.

(Picture of Gage Ziehl courtesy of the Portland Sea Dogs)

Red Sox prospect Angel Roa named Dominican Summer League Pitcher of the Week

Red Sox pitching prospect Angel Roa has been named the Dominican Summer League Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 27-August 2, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Roa was perfect in his last start for DSL Red Sox Red this past Saturday. Facing his counterparts from DSL Red Sox Blue at the club’s Dominican academy, the 17-year-old right-hander struck out six in the process of retiring all 15 batters he faced over five hitless, walk-free innings.

Roa topped out at 94.9 mph with his fastball and earned his first professional win as DSL Red Sox Red blanked DSL Red Sox Blue, 5-0. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound hurler is now 1-0 with a 1.72 ERA and a 16-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over six outings (two starts) spanning 15 2/3 innings in the Dominican Summer League this season. Opposing hitters are batting just .094 against him.

A native of Venezuela, Roa signed with the Red Sox for $10,000 as an international free agent in January. The young righty made his professional debut on June 5, surrendering three earned runs in the first three innings of an 11-9 loss to DSL Dodgers Mega. He was then sidelined for the next four weeks for an undisclosed reason, but has been quite effective since returning to the mound on July 4, allowing just one unearned run over his last 12 2/3 innings.

Roa, who turned 17 in late March, is understandably not yet ranked among Boston’s top pitching prospects by outlets such as Baseball America or MLB Pipeline. He is, however, the first Red Sox Dominican Summer Leaguer to earn a weekly award this season.

Azocar also honored

Enddy Azocar, one of three prospects the Red Sox traded to the Orioles for Adley Rutschman on Monday, was also named the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week of July 27-August 2. In what proved to be his final five games with High-A Greenville, the 19-year-old outfielder went 14-for-25 (.560) with three doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs, 10 runs scored, one walk, and four strikeouts in a series against Asheville at hitter-friendly McCormick Field.

(Picture: Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Which prospect did Red Sox acquire from Giants for Marcelo Mayer?

In addition to left-handed reliever Erik Miller, the Red Sox acquired outfield prospect Carlos Gutierrez from the Giants for infielder Marcelo Mayer ahead of Monday evening’s trade deadline.

Gutierrez, who turns 22 later this month, was ranked by Baseball America as San Francisco’s No. 24 prospect. The left-handed hitter spent the first four months of the 2026 season at High-A Eugene, batting .271/.385/.441 with 18 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 45 RBIs, 65 runs scored, 26 stolen bases, 54 walks, and 70 strikeouts over 83 games (357 plate appearances). He slashed .242/.383/.379 against lefties and .279/.385/.459 against righties.

Among 36 qualified Northwest League hitters, Gutierrez ranks first in speed score (8.1) and wSB (3.7), sixth in walk rate (15.1%), eighth in wRC+ (124), ninth in on-base percentage, OPS (.827), and strikeout rate (19.6%), 10th in swinging-strike rate (10.4%), 11th in wOBA (.378), 14th in batting average, 15th in slugging percentage, and 17th in isolated power (.171), according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Gutierrez saw most of his playing time with Eugene this season come in left field. In 64 starts, the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder committed three errors and recorded four assists in 105 chances over 549 2/3 innings. He also made one start in center field and 18 starts at DH. Last year, he made 47 starts in right field, so he has experience at both corners.

A Mexico native, Gutierrez originally signed with the Giants for $32,500 as an international free agent in January 2023. He made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League shortly thereafter and made the jump stateside in 2024, though he was limited to just three games due to a lower back issue. In 2025, he batted .351/.445/.452 in 60 games for Low-A San Jose before suffering a season-ending lower back injury in late June.

Per his Baseball America scouting report, Gutierrez’s “hit tool is based around supreme bat control that allows him to manipulate the barrel to all sectors of the strike zone while rarely offering at pitches outside of it.” Additionally, he “is an above-average runner who can hack it in center field but might defer to a stronger defender at the position. His average arm would fit best in left field, but a move to the corner without the corresponding power jump might leave him as a bit of a profile issue.”

When addressing reporters (including MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith) on Monday, Red Sox chief officer Craig Breslow spoke highly of Gutierrez.

“He was a guy that our scouting department had identified,” Breslow said. “U think exciting, maybe kind of under the radar left-handed bat, right-handed thrower. Signed out of Mexico. Good job by San Francisco because we’re excited and really appreciate the talent. … Really excited about what he brings.”

Gutierrez has been assigned to High-A Greenville, where he should help fill the void left behind by fellow outfielder Enddy Azocar, who was part of the prospect-laden package the Red Sox sent to the Orioles in the Adley Rutschman trade on Monday.

(Picture of Marcelo Mayer: Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Which prospect did Red Sox trade to Braves for Eli White?

In their second of three moves ahead of Monday evening’s trade deadline, the Red Sox acquired veteran outfielder Eli White from the Braves for rookie right-hander Tyler Uberstine.

This article will focus on Uberstine, who was ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 19 prospect after making his major league debut earlier this season.

Uberstine made one relief appearance for the Red Sox on April 5, an 8-6 loss to the Padres at Fenway Park. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed one earned run on three hits, one walk, and two strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. He was ultimately charged with the losing decision after giving up a go-ahead home run to Jackson Merrill to lead off the top of the eighth.

Uberstine was sent back down to Triple-A Worcester the following day but landed on the 7-day injured list with right shoulder soreness on April 16. He returned to the mound in late May and made four rehab appearances for High-A Greenville before rejoining the WooSox on June 14. In 12 outings (one start) since then, he has pitched to a 2.82 ERA with 28 strikeouts to just five walks across 22 1/3 innings while holding opponents to a .192 batting average.

Overall, Uberstine forged a 2.81 ERA with 37 strikeouts to 11 walks in 15 appearances (two starts) spanning 32 innings for Worcester this season. Opposing International League hitters slashed .188/.278/.286 in 129 trips to the plate against him.

Uberstine was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 19th round (556th overall) of the 2021 draft. To get to that point, the righty had to overcome quite a bit. He did not receive any college offers as an undersized high school recruit and unsuccessfully attempted to walk on at USC before transferring to Northwestern. Following his senior season with the Wildcats, he impressed in the MLB Draft League, earning a chance to begin his professional career with Boston.

The recipient of a $97,500 signing bonus, Uberstine debuted in the Florida Complex League in July 2021. He then split his first full season in pro ball between Low-A Salem and Greenville before blowing out his elbow and missing all of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Upon returning to action in 2024, he pitched in the Arizona Fall League and carried some positive momentum into 2025.

In 25 outings (21 starts) between Double-A Portland and Worcester last season, Uberstine posted a 3.58 ERA with 137 strikeouts to 41 walks over 120 2/3 innings. The California native was recognized as the WooSox’ Co-Most Valuable Pitcher and SoxProspects.com’s Comeback Player of the Year. He was then added to Boston’s 40-man roster in November alongside Shane Drohan and David Sandlin (who have also since been traded) for Rule 5 protection purposes.

Following Monday’s trade, Uberstine can add another chapter to his underdog story. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound hurler provides the Braves with a five-pitch mix consisting of a mid-90s fastball that has reached 97 mph, an upper-80s cutter, a lower-90s sinker, a mid-80s changeup, and a lower-80s sweeper.

Uberstine has been optioned by the Braves to Triple-A Gwinnett. Given his intriguing arsenal and upside as a reliever, it would not be surprising to see him contribute out of the bullpen for Atlanta down the stretch.

(Picture of Tyler Uberstine: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Which three prospects did Red Sox trade to Orioles in Adley Rutschman deal?

The Red Sox made a significant move to acquire three-time All-Star Adley Rutschman from the division rival Orioles before Monday evening’s trade deadline.

In exchange for Rutschman, backup catcher Jake Rogers, and cash considerations, Boston traded backstop Carlos Narvaez, minor league right-handers Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, minor league outfielder Enddy Azocar, and a player to be named later or cash considerations to Baltimore.

This article will focus on the three prospects switching sides in this blockbuster: Eyanson, Witherspoon, and Azocar. Baseball America had Eyanson as Boston’s No. 2 prospect, while Witherspoon and Azocar were ranked No. 3 and No. 5 in the system, respectively.

Eyanson, the No. 33 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America, is the headliner of the package going back to the Orioles. The 21-year-old right-hander was selected by the Red Sox in the third round (87th overall) of last summer’s draft out of Louisiana State. He received an above-slot $1.75 million signing bonus and is now four months into his first full professional season.

In 16 outings (15 starts) between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, Eyanson posted a 1.32 ERA with 94 strikeouts to 26 walks over 68 1/3 innings in which opponents batted .152 against him. He represented the Red Sox in the All-Star Futures Game and struck out a career-high of 10 in his last start with the organization on July 31.

Eyanson worked to add power to his arsenal and raise his arm slot over the winter. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound righty showed encouraging signs in his first spring training and has only taken off from there. He now operates with a 92-95 mph fastball that has topped out at 97.5 mph in-season while also featuring a mid-80s gyro slider, a high-70s curveball, a mid-80s splitter, and a high-80s cutter.

Witherspoon, who turns 22 next week, is ranked by Baseball America as the No. 97 prospect in baseball. The young right-hander was selected by the Red Sox with the 15th overall pick in last summer’s draft out of Oklahoma. He received a below-slot $5 million signing bonus and, like Eyanson, made his professional debut with Greenville in April.

Unlike Eyanson, though, Witherspoon has not had the smoothest of transitions to pro ball. In 17 starts for Greenville, he posted a 4.78 ERA with 78 strikeouts to 34 walks over 75 1/3 innings in which opponents batted .256 against him. His best stretch came from May 24-June 26, when he forged a 2.64 ERA across six starts (30 2/3 innings). He then pitched to a 4.91 ERA in four July outings.

Despite the inconsistencies that have come with some mechanical adjustments, Eyanson still boasts plenty of potential. Now working with a delivery closer to what he was doing at Oklahoma, the 6-foot-2, 206-pound righty sits in the mid-90s with a fastball that has been up to 97.6 mph this season. He also throws a slider, cutter, and curveball.

Azocar, unlike Eyanson and Witherspoon, is not ranked within Baseball America’s top 100. The 19-year-old Venezuelan originally signed with the Red Sox for $40,000 as an international free agent in January 2024. He made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League that season, then started turning heads as he worked his way from the Florida Complex League to Low-A Salem in 2025.

In 85 games between Salem and Greenville to begin the 2026 campaign, Azocar batted .286/.341/.540 with 27 doubles, six triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 76 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, 28 walks, and 95 strikeouts over 399 plate appearances. The right-handed hitter slashed .343/.400/.685 in 80 plate appearances against lefties and .272/.326/.503 in 319 plate appearances against righties.

Defensively, Azocar saw most of his playing time this season come in center field. Across 70 total starts (40 with Greenville, 30 with Salem), the athletic 6-foot-2, 195-pounder committed only two errors and recorded four assists in 156 chances over 614 1/3 innings. He also made one start in left, one start in right, and 13 starts at DH between the two stops.

Immediately following Monday’s trade, Eyanson was assigned to the Orioles’ Double-A Chesapeake affiliate. Witherspoon and Azocar, on the other hand, were assigned to High-A Frederick.

(Picture of Anthony Eyanson: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Who did Red Sox send to Tigers to complete Jahmai Jones trade?

On July 14, the Red Sox acquired outfielder Jahmai Jones from the Tigers in exchange for a player to be named later.

That trade was officially completed on Saturday, as Boston sent pitching prospect Jojo Ingrassia to Detroit as the player to be named later, per announcements from both clubs.

Ingrassia was ranked by MLB Pipeline as Boston’s No. 30 prospect. The 24-year-old left-hander had spent all of this season at High-A Greenville, posting a 3.27 ERA with 59 strikeouts to 22 walks over 13 appearances (11 starts) and 44 innings. Opposing hitters batted .195 against him.

Among 86 pitchers who entered play Saturday having thrown at least 40 innings in the South Atlantic League this year, Ingrassia ranked third in swinging-strike rate (17.6%), seventh in xFIP (3.85), eighth in batting average against, FIP (3.45), and strikeout rate (33%), and 10th in ERA, strikeouts per nine, and WHIP (1.18), according to FanGraphs.

Ingrassia was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 14th round (418th overall) of the 2023 draft out of Cal State Fullerton. He received a $150,000 signing bonus and made his professional debut with Low-A Salem the following April, ultimately earning 2024 Carolina League Post-Season All-Star honors after forging a 1.85 ERA with 93 strikeouts to 20 walks over 58 1/3 innings.

Ingrassia made the jump to Greenville in 2025 but was limited to just four appearances (17 innings) before being shut down with shoulder soreness. He made up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League, though he struggled to a 9.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts to nine walks over 10 innings for the Salt River Rafters.

Overall, Ingrassia owns a 2.56 ERA with 173 strikeouts to 46 walks across 38 career outings (23 starts) and 119 1/3 innings in the minors. In addition to missing time with shoulder soreness last season, he was sidelined for most of May with a left elbow strain. He has been hindered by rotator cuff issues in the past as well.

When healthy, though, Ingrassia has proven to be rather effective. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound southpaw features a deceptive delivery, allowing him to fool hitters regularly. He primarily operates with a 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 95 mph, a mid-80s changeup, and a low-80s slider.

Ingrassia, who just turned 24 on July 24, will report to the Tigers’ High-A affiliate in West Michigan. From there, he will likely be aiming for a promotion to Double-A Erie. He can become Rule 5-eligible for the first time this winter if he is not added to Detroit’s 40-man roster after the season ends.

(Picture of Jojo Ingrassia: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote power-hitting IF prospect Yoeilin Cespedes to Double-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted power-hitting infield prospect Yoeilin Cespedes from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, as first reported by Andrew Parker of SoxProspects.com.

Cespedes is currently regarded as Boston’s No. 14 prospect by SoxProspects.com, while Baseball America and MLB Pipeline both rank him 16th. With 18 home runs this season, the 20-year-old slugger trails only No. 1 prospect and fellow infielder Franklin Arias (21) for the organizational lead.

In addition to crushing a team-leading 18 homers, Cespedes batted .249/.310/.477 (92 wRC+) with 57 RBIs, 58 runs scored, two stolen bases, 29 walks, and 94 strikeouts over 82 games (378 plate appearances) for Greenville this season. The right-handed hitter fared particularly well against lefties, slashing .328/.382/.590 in 68 plate appearances. He slashed .231/.294/.452 in 310 plate appearances against righties.

Among 68 qualified hitters in the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League entering play Saturday, Cespedes ranked 12th in isolated power (.228), 15th in slugging percentage, 18th in line-drive rate (24.7%), 30th in OPS (.787), and 33rd in batting average, according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Cespedes split most of his playing time with Greenville between shortstop and second base. In 41 starts at short, the compact 5-foot-8, 181-pounder (listed height and weight) committed seven errors in 186 chances over 365 2/3 innings. In 31 starts at second, he committed five errors in 133 chances over 276 1/3 innings. He also made 10 starts at DH.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Cespedes originally signed with the Red Sox for $1.4 million as a highly-regarded international free agent in January 2023. In his professional debut that season, he earned Dominican Summer League All-Star honors and was recognized as Boston’s Latin Program Position Player of the Year. He then arrived stateside in 2024 and shined in the Florida Complex League before earning a late-June promotion to Low-A Salem.

Due to lingering soreness in his left hand, however, Cespedes did not make his full-season debut in 2024. Instead, he was diagnosed with a broken hamate bone that ultimately required season-ending surgery. He returned to action with Salem in 2025 and proved durable, playing in 110 of the team’s 130 games. That said, he did so while struggling to a .227/.292/.376 line with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs over 477 plate appearances.

Coming off a down year, Cespedes was identified by Baseball America as a potential bounce-back candidate entering 2026. He certainly came out of the gates firing, slashing .317/.365/.567 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs over his first 42 games (200 plate appearances) for Greenville this season. Since the calendar flipped from May to June, however, he batted just .173/.247/.377 with eight homers and 23 RBIs across his last 40 games (178 plate appearances) before Saturday’s promotion.

Overall, it has very much been an up-and-down season for Cespedes, who is arriving in the upper minors a month-plus shy of his 21st birthday in early September. Assuming he is not traded between now and Monday’s deadline, he should provide Portland with additional power from the right side of the plate as well as middle infield depth.

(Picture of Yoeilin Cespedes: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)