Category: Uncategorized

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)

Red Sox OF prospect Andrews Opata sets new stolen-base record for Low-A Salem

With two stolen bases for Low-A Salem on Sunday, Red Sox outfield prospect Andrews Opata set a new franchise modern-era (since 2004) record for steals in a single season.

Opata stole his 40th and 41st bases of the season in a 13-3 series-ending loss to Augusta. In doing so, the 22-year-old speedster surpassed the previous modern-era franchise record of 40, set by Matty Johnson in 2014.

Sunday marked Opata’s second straight three-hit game. Since July 2, the right-handed hitter is batting .318/.380/.476 with one double, three home runs, 14 RBIs, 11 runs scored, eight stolen bases, six walks, and 16 strikeouts over his last 15 games (71 plate appearances). Overall, he is slashing .254/.361/.377 with 10 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 37 RBIs, 55 runs scored, 41 stolen bases (in 48 attempts), 45 walks, and 100 strikeouts in 76 games (335 plate appearances) for Salem this season. That includes a .211/.370/.509 line in 73 plate appearances against lefties and a .264/.359/.344 line in 262 plate appearances against righties.

Opata’s 41 stolen bases on the season are the second-most in the Red Sox system (behind only Braiden Ward’s 43 for Triple-A Worcester) and third-most in the Carolina League. He also ranks second among the league’s 58 qualified hitters in wSB (4.1), fifth in speed score (8.2), 22nd in on-base percentage, and 23rd in batting average and walk rate (13.4%), according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Opata has spent most of his season in the outfield corners for Salem. In 50 starts in right field, the athletic 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has committed three errors and recorded three assists in 101 chances across 433 2/3 innings. In 25 starts in left field, he has committed one error and recorded one assist in 55 chances across 222 1/3 innings. He has also made one start at DH.

An undrafted free agent out of Division II North Georgia, Opata is in his first full professional campaign. Instead of transferring to Kennesaw State for what would have been his senior season, the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year signed with the Red Sox for $75,000 last July. After appearing in three Grapefruit League games this spring (and hitting a home run), he officially debuted with Salem in early April.

Opata, who turns 23 in December, is not ranked among Boston’s top prospects by SoxProspects.com. The outlet describes him as a “selective” hitter with “plus speed” and “excellent” baserunning skills. Given how he has fared with Salem as of late, it would not be surprising to see Opata earn a late-season promotion to High-A Greenville for the stretch run.

(Picture of Andrews Opata: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox prospect Max Carlson named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week

Red Sox pitching prospect Max Carlson has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 20-26, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Carlson made two scoreless relief appearances in Double-A Portland’s road series against Binghamton last week. The 24-year-old right-hander worked 5 2/3 hitless innings altogether, issuing just one walk and striking out seven. He recorded his first save of the season with three perfect frames out of the bullpen on Friday.

Dating back to June 7, Carlson has posted a 2.52 ERA with 28 strikeouts to only four walks over his last 25 innings pitched. Overall, the righty owns a 5.03 ERA with 65 strikeouts to 13 walks across 26 appearances (one start) and 59 innings for Portland this season. Opposing Eastern League hitters are slashing .268/.311/.425 against him.

Among 46 Eastern League pitchers who have thrown at least 55 innings this year, Carlson ranks fourth in swinging-strike rate (15.9%) and walks per nine (1.98), fifth in walk rate (5.3%), seventh in FIP (3.86), ninth in WHIP (1.25) and xFIP (3.79), 16th in strikeout rate (26.5%), and 17th in strikeouts per nine (9.92), according to FanGraphs.

Carlson is in his third full professional season and first at the Double-A level. The Minnesota native was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round (358th overall) of the 2023 draft out of the University of North Carolina. He reached High-A Greenville early on in 2024, but was limited to just 11 outings (35 1/3 innings) there last year due to a right shoulder impingement that required a season-ending trip to the 60-day injured list.

Now healthy, Carlson has proven to be a reliable option out of Portland’s bullpen this season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound hurler does not overwhelm hitters with pure velocity, topping out at 94 mph with a low-90s fastball while mixing in a changeup, slider, and sweeper. Though he is not ranked among Boston’s top pitching prospects by outlets such as SoxProspects.com, he commands the strike zone effectively, allowing his stuff to play up.

Carlson, who turns 25 in September, is the fifth different Portland pitcher to earn Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors this season, joining John Holobetz, Patrick Halligan, Anthony Eyanson, and Blake Wehunt. Given that he can become Rule 5-eligible for the first time this winter, it would not be surprising to see Carlson leverage his recent performance into a promotion to Triple-A Worcester before long.

(Picture of Max Carlson: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox to promote pitching prospect John Holobetz to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox are promoting pitching prospect John Holobetz from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

Holobetz, who turns 24 on Friday, is moving up to the minors’ top level for the first time after reaching Double-A last August. The right-hander is currently regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 17 prospect, ranking sixth among pitchers in the organization.

In 17 appearances (15 starts) for Portland to begin the 2026 season, Holobetz posted a 4.33 ERA with a staff-leading 93 strikeouts to 25 walks over 79 innings. Opposing Eastern League hitters slashed .236/.303/.298 in 331 plate appearances against him.

Among 19 qualified Eastern League pitchers entering play Sunday, Holobetz ranks second in WHIP (1.22), third in xFIP (3.81), fourth in FIP (4.02) and strikeout rate (28.1%), fifth in strikeouts per nine (10.59), swinging-strike rate (13.2%), walks per nine (2.85), and walk rate (7.6%), sixth in batting average against, seventh in groundball rate (45.9%), and ninth in ERA, according to FanGraphs.

A former fifth-round draft pick (156th overall) of the Brewers out of Old Dominion in 2024, Holobetz was acquired by the Red Sox last May as the player to be named later in the Quinn Priester trade from the previous month. The Pennsylvania native split the remainder of his first full professional campaign between High-A Greenville and Portland, forging a 3.04 ERA with 89 strikeouts to just 15 walks over 100 2/3 innings.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds with a repeatable delivery, Holobetz has shown improved velocity this season. In addition to a mid-90s fastball that reached 98.1 mph in his most recent outing, the lanky righty mixes in an 83-87 mph slider, a 79-82 mph curveball, and an 84-87 mph changeup. His fastball grades as a 55 on Baseball America’s 20-80 scouting scale, while each of his secondary offerings grades as a 40 and his control as a 60.

Holobetz is the second notable Red Sox pitching prospect to earn a promotion to Worcester in recent days, joining fellow right-hander Blake Wehunt. Both hurlers could potentially emerge as intriguing names to monitor between now and the fast-approaching August 3 trade deadline.

In the more immediate future, Holobetz is tentatively in line to make his Triple-A debut during Worcester’s upcoming road series against Norfolk, which begins on Tuesday.

(Picture of John Holobetz: Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jacob Mayers to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jacob Mayers from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, as was first reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Mayers is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 44 prospect, ranking 19th among the organization’s pitching prospects. The 22-year-old right-hander is making his professional debut this season after being selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of last summer’s draft out of Louisiana State. He received a below-slot $190,000 signing bonus.

In 15 appearances (eight starts) for Salem to begin the 2026 campaign, Mayers posted a 4.27 ERA with 64 strikeouts to 42 walks over 46 1/3 innings. Opposing Carolina League hitters slashed .175/.363/.299 in 204 plate appearances against him.

Among 75 Carolina League pitchers who entered play Friday having thrown at least 45 innings this season, Mayers ranks second in batting average against, fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.43), fifth in strikeout rate (31.4%) and swinging-strike rate (16.3%), 19th in groundball rate (48.9%), and 35th in ERA. On the flip side, he also ranks 70th in walks per nine (8.16) and 74th in walk rate (20.6%), according to FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Mayers throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot and operates with a three-pitch mix. The Louisiana-born hurler has been up to 96-97 mph with his upper-90s fastball this season after topping out at 101.8 mph with it in college. He also features an 88-91 mph slider and an 84-86 mph changeup, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

While Mayers — who just turned 22 last month — can miss bats at an exceptional rate, there are questions surrounding his ability to consistently throw strikes. If he can refine his command and control, he could elevate his stock even further as he looks to put the finishing touches on his first full season in pro ball.

(Picture of Jacob Mayers: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote top prospect Franklin Arias to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox are promoting top prospect Franklin Arias from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Arias, in the midst of a breakout campaign, is reaching the minors’ highest level for the first time and is now just one call away from the big leagues. The 20-year-old middle infielder is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 3 prospect in baseball behind only the Brewers’ Jesus Made and the Athletics’ Leo De Vries.

In 75 games for Portland this season, Arias batted a stout .318/.407/.587 with 17 doubles, an organizational-leading 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, 50 runs scored, five stolen bases, 37 walks, and 46 strikeouts over 332 plate appearances. The right-handed hitter slashed .309/.427/.574 against lefties and .321/.400/.591 against righties.

Among 73 qualified hitters in the Eastern League, Arias ranks first in OPS (.994), second in batting average, slugging percentage, and strikeout rate (13.9%), third in on-base percentage, fourth in isolated power (.269), and 34th in walk rate (11.1%), according to MiLB.com’s leaderboards.

Defensively, Arias unsurprisingly saw most of his playing time with Portland this season come at shortstop. In 54 starts there, the sure-handed 5-foot-11, 180-pounder committed just three errors in 210 chances over 474 2/3 innings. He also made five starts at second base, where he did not commit an error in 14 chances over 41 innings, and 11 starts at DH.

A native of Venezuela, Arias originally signed with the Red Sox for $525,000 as an international free agent in January 2023. At that time, he was viewed as more of a glove-first shortstop. He changed that narrative quickly by putting together an impressive professional debut in the Dominican Summer League, then followed that up by earning 2024 Florida Complex League MVP, Top Prospect, and All-Star honors in his first season stateside.

As a 19-year-old last season, Arias worked his way from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville before arriving in Portland for a 10-game cameo in September. Over the winter, he added muscle to his frame and refined his approach at the plate, helping fuel the power surge he has experienced in 2026. He was recognized for his efforts earlier this month when he represented the Red Sox at the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia on July 12.

Though Arias returned to Portland immediately following the All-Star break, this promotion suggests that the organization believes he is ready for a new challenge with a little over two months remaining in the season. As noted by The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, Arias joins Roman Anthony, Xander Bogaerts, and Glenn Hoffman as the only Red Sox position players in the last 50 years to reach Triple-A by the age of 20.

Arias, who turns 21 in November, is unlikely to be rushed to the majors with the Red Sox in the thick of the American League Wild Card race following a historic 15-game winning streak that has turned around their season. For now, he is set to make his Triple-A debut at some point during the latter half of Worcester’s series against Jacksonville at Polar Park this weekend.

(Picture of Franklin Arias: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)