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How did Red Sox LHP prospect, Double-A Portland Pitcher of the Year Hayden Mullins fare in 2025?

Last month, Red Sox prospect Hayden Mullins was recognized as Double-A Portland’s 2025 Pitcher of the Year. This article will examine how the 25-year-old left-hander fared this season.

Mullins broke camp and got the Opening Day nod for High-A Greenville this spring. The lefty posted a 1.06 ERA (1.69 FIP) with 27 strikeouts to just three walks in his first four outings (three starts) and 17 innings of the year before receiving a promotion to Portland in late April. He made his Double-A debut against New Hampshire on May 1 and electrified, striking out 10 (to match a career-high) over 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball.

Unfortunately, Mullins was placed on Portland’s injured list four days later due to shoulder fatigue and did not return to the mound until May 25. He then picked up where he left off by posting a 2.74 ERA (4.33 FIP) with 25 strikeouts to 15 walks in his next six starts (23 innings) for the Sea Dogs through the end of June. On July 1, he threw an immaculate inning against New Hampshire but left the game early with cramps. That led to him making just one more appearance before the MLB All-Star break began on July 14.

Upon returning from the break, Mullins compiled a 2.42 ERA (3.38 FIP) with 53 strikeouts to 26 walks in his final nine starts (44 2/3 innings) of the year. Altogether, he forged a 2.44 ERA (3.79 FIP) with 96 strikeouts to 48 walks over 18 starts (84 2/3 innings) for Portland this season. Opposing hitters in the Eastern League batted .175 against him.

Among 40 pitchers who threw at least 80 innings in the Eastern League this year, Mullins ranked second in batting average against and ERA, third in strikeout rate (27.7 percent), sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (10.2), seventh in swinging-strike rate (13 percent), ninth in WHIP (1.17), 14th in FIP, 17th in xFIP (3.83), and 19th in groundball rate (40.9 percent), per FanGraphs.

Between Greenville and Portland in 2025, Mullins produced a 2.21 ERA (3.44 FIP) with 123 strikeouts to 51 walks across 22 total appearances (21 starts) spanning a career-high 101 2/3 innings of work. In addition to taking home Pitcher of the Year honors for the Sea Dogs, he was named a SoxProspects.com All-Star for the first time.

Mullins was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round (369th overall) of the 2022 draft out of Auburn. The Tennessee native was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time he signed for $97,500, which pushed his professional debut back until August 2023. Just over two years later, he is ranked as the No. 18, No. 22, and No. 26 prospect in Boston’s farm system by MLB Pipeline, SoxProspects.com, and Baseball America, respectively.

Standing at 6-feet and 194 pounds, Mullins throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a high leg kick into his deceptive delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the undersized southpaw operates with a five-pitch mix that consists of a 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 95 mph, an 81-85 mph slider, a 78-80 mph curveball, an 81-83 mph changeup, and a mid-80s cutter.

Mullins, who just turned 25 in September, is a candidate to be added to the Red Sox’ 40-man roster next month to prevent him from becoming available to other clubs in December’s Rule 5 Draft. Such a move may be met with criticism since Mullins has yet to pitch above the Double-A level and appears headed for a move to the bullpen given his command and control issues, but his profile could make him an attractive option to a team in need of a bat-missing lefty reliever this winter.

If he remains with the Red Sox through the offseason, Mullins is projected by SoxProspects.com to make the jump to Triple-A Worcester in a relief role to open the 2026 campaign.

(Picture of Hayden Mullins: Ella Hannaford/Minor League Baseball)

How did Red Sox OF prospect, Double-A Portland MVP Allan Castro fare in 2025?

Last month, Red Sox prospect Allan Castro was recognized as Double-A Portland’s 2025 Most Valuable Player. This article will examine how the 22-year-old outfielder fared with the Sea Dogs this season.

Castro broke camp with Portland in early April but suffered a left hamstring strain on Opening Day and was sidelined for the next month-plus as a result. He returned to action on May 7 and emerged as a stabilizing force in the Sea Dogs lineup during the season’s first half.

Leading up to the MLB All-Star break in mid-July, Castro batted .286/.373/.454 with eight doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 26 RBIs, 23 runs scored, eight stolen bases, 25 walks, and 44 strikeouts in his first 52 games (212 plate appearances) of the year. Upon returning from the break, however, the switch-hitter slashed an underwhelming .245/.330/.365 with 12 doubles, one triple, no home runs, 11 RBIs, 20 runs scored, seven stolen bases, 19 walks, and 35 strikeouts in his next 40 games (176 plate appearances) through September 7. He was placed on the injured list with an undisclosed injury four days later and ended the season there.

Altogether, Castro batted .268/.353/.400 with a team-leading 20 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 37 RBIs, 43 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, 44 walks, and 79 strikeouts over 92 total games (388 plate appearances) for Portland in 2025. That includes a .217/.316/.265 line from the right side of the plate and a far more favorable .284/.365/.444 line from the left side.

Among 48 qualified hitters in the Eastern League this season, Castro ranked ninth in batting average, 10th in line-drive rate (26.5 percent), 11th in on-base percentage, 13th in OPS (.753), wOBA (.350), and wRC+ (119), 14th in slugging percentage and strikeout rate (20.4 percent), 15th in walk rate (11.3 percent), and 18th in swinging-strike rate (10.3 percent), per FanGraphs.

Defensively, Castro saw playing time at all three outfield spots for the Sea Dogs this year. The 6-foot-2, 206-pounder logged a team-leading 556 1/3 innings in center, 123 innings in right, and 12 innings in left, committing four errors and recording 10 assists in 188 total chances. He also made 13 starts at DH.

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Castro originally signed with Boston for $100,000 as an international free agent in July 2019. An infielder at the time, the Santo Domingo native ultimately transitioned to the outfield and earned Red Sox 2021 Latin Program Position Player of the Year honors in his professional debut. He has gradually worked his way up the organizational ladder since then and has often been identified as a potential sleeper prospect.

Castro, who does not turn 23 until next May, is currently regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 20 prospect. Similarly, MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the Red Sox’ No. 22 prospect, while SoxProspects.com has him at No. 26. He can become eligible for this winter’s Rule 5 Draft if not added to the club’s 40-man roster in November, but is otherwise projected to make the jump to Triple-A Worcester in 2026 if he remains in the organization.

(Picture of Allan Castro: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Revisiting Red Sox’ trade of Quinn Priester to Brewers

With the Brewers playing in the National League Championship Series, it feels like an appropriate time to revisit the trade they made with the Red Sox for starter Quinn Priester back on April 7.

In exchange for Priester, who put together a strong first season for Milwaukee, Boston acquired outfield prospect Yophery Rodriguez, a player to be named later, and a competitive balance Round A pick in the 2025 draft.

This article will focus on the early returns of the trade from the Red Sox’ end, starting with Rodriguez.

Yophery Rodriguez

Rodriguez came over to the Red Sox a little more than two years after originally signing with the Brewers for $1.5 million as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in January 2023. The San Pedro de Macorís native earned Dominican Summer League All-Star honors in his professional debut, then advanced straight to the Low-A level, thus skipping the Arizona Complex League, to begin his first season stateside in 2024.

As an 18-year-old, Rodriguez held his own by batting .250/.343/.383 with 23 doubles, six triples, seven home runs, 60 RBIs, 59 runs scored, seven stolen bases, 59 walks, and 115 strikeouts in 110 games (484 plate appearances) for Low-A Carolina last season. The left-handed-hitting teenager took another step forward by breaking camp with Milwaukee’s High-A affiliate this spring before being traded to Boston just three games (in which he went 5-for-12 with a double and triple) into his 2025 campaign.

Remaining at the same level upon switching organizations for the first time in his young career, Rodriguez debuted with High-A Greenville on April 8. As part of an up-and-down season, the 19-year-old outfielder batted .214/.312/.331 with 17 doubles, six triples, five home runs, 48 RBIs, 44 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, 52 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 101 games (433 plate appearances) for the Drive. He particularly stood out in July by slashing .342/.375/.539 in 19 games (77 plate appearances) en route to receiving South Atlantic League Player of the Month honors, but struggled to a .159/.239/.232 line over 23 games (92 plate appearances) between August and September to end things on a rather disappointing note.

Among 46 qualified hitters in the South Atlantic League this season, Rodriguez — lauded for his advanced feel of the strike zone — notably ranked fifth in strikeout rate (18.7 percent), sixth in fly-ball rate (43.9 percent), 12th in walk rate (12 percent), and 13th in opposite-field rate (32.2 percent) and swinging-strike rate (9.9 percent), per FanGraphs.

Defensively, Rodriguez saw playing time at all three outfield positions with Greenville this year. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder logged a team-leading 488 1/3 innings in left, 177 innings in right, and 117 innings in center, recording 13 outfield assists and committing just three errors in 165 total chances. He also made nine starts at DH.

Rodriguez, who turns 20 in December, is not currently regarded among Boston’s top prospects by Baseball America. At the same time, he is ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 Red Sox prospect and SoxProspects.com’s No. 36 prospect. Barring his inclusion in a trade or other surprise move this winter, Rodriguez is projected to make the jump to Double-A Portland for the start of the 2026 season.

John Holobetz

Exactly four weeks after adding Rodriguez, the Red Sox acquired right-hander John Holobetz from the Brewers as the player to be named later in the Priester deal.

Holobetz was selected by the Brewers in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2024 draft out of Old Dominion. The Pennsylvania native signed with Milwaukee for $322,500 last summer, but did not make his professional debut until this past April. He made five appearances (three starts) at the Low-A level to begin the 2025 season, posting a 3.00 ERA (2.28 FIP) with 31 strikeouts to five walks in 24 innings, before joining the Red Sox organization on May 5.

Four days and one promotion later, Holobetz debuted with Greenville on May 9. The 23-year-old righty proceeded to pitch to a 3.43 ERA with 62 strikeouts to 10 walks in 12 outings (11 starts) for the Drive. Though he gave up his fair share of hits, as evidenced by the fact that opponents batted .276 against him in that time, Holobetz was elevated to Portland in early August.

From there, Holobetz compiled a 2.39 ERA (2.60 FIP) with 27 strikeouts to just five walks over six outings (five starts) spanning 37 2/3 innings for the Sea Dogs. Opposing hitters in the Eastern League batted .205 against him as he finished his first full season in pro ball with a 3.03 ERA (3.04 FIP) in 23 appearances (19 starts) totaling 124 2/3 innings across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A. That includes a 3.04 ERA (3.23 FIP) with 89 strikeouts to 15 walks in 100 2/3 innings between Greenville and Portland.

One of seven Red Sox minor leaguers to surpass the century mark in innings pitched this year, Holobetz was named a 2025 SoxProspects.com All-Star. Among those seven, he ranked first in walks per nine innings (1.34) and walk rate (3.8 percent), second in WHIP (1.11) and xFIP (3.17), and third in ERA and FIP, according to FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Holobetz throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a medium-high leg kick into his delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the lanky hurler operates with a four-pitch mix that consists of a whiff-inducing 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 96 mph, an 83-87 mph slider, a 79-82 mph curveball, and 84-87 mph changeup.

Holobetz, who does not turn 24 until next July, is not regarded among Boston’s top prospects by Baseball America or MLB Pipeline but is ranked as SoxProspects.com’s No. 25 overall prospect and No. 13 pitching prospect. Assuming he remains in the organization through the winter, Holobetz is projected to open the 2026 season in Portland’s starting rotation.

Marcus Phillips

In addition to Rodriguez and a player to be named later (Holobetz), the Red Sox acquired the 33rd overall selection in the 2025 draft from the Brewers for Priester in April. They used that pick to take Tennessee right-hander Marcus Phillips in July.

Days before celebrating his 21st birthday, Phillips signed with Boston for a below-slot $2.5 million on July 20, but did not pitch for an affiliate after putting pen to paper. The South Dakota native spent the final two seasons of his collegiate career at Tennessee after transferring from Iowa Western Community College. He posted a 3.90 ERA with 98 strikeouts to 34 walks in 17 starts (83 innings) for the Volunteers as a junior this past spring.

Listed at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, Phillips has featured a three-pitch mix that includes a 96-99 mph fastball that can reach triple digits, an 84-88 mph slider, and a 90-94 mph changeup. The burly righty is currently ranked as Boston’s No. 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline, No. 14 by SoxProspects.com, and No. 16 by Baseball America.

Phillips is projected by SoxProspects.com to open the 2026 campaign in Greenville alongside fellow 2025 draftees Kyson Witherspoon and Anthony Eyanson. All three could move through the system very quickly, depending on how aggressive the Red Sox are with their development.

(Picture of John Holobetz: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox trade additions Joe Vogatsky, Matt McShane show early returns in pro debuts after coming over from Pirates

In the span of a few weeks last winter, the Red Sox made two separate, yet similar trades with the Pirates.

On December 15, the Red Sox acquired minor league right-hander Joe Vogatsky from the Pirates for then-recently DFA’d infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez. A little more than a month passed before the two sides matched up again on January 17, with Boston obtaining another minor league righty in Matt McShane from Pittsburgh for then-recently DFA’d reliever Chase Shugart.

Both Vogatsky, a James Madison product, and McShane, a St. Joseph’s product, were selected by the Pirates in the 19th and 13th rounds of the 2024 draft, respectively. But neither hurler had pitched for a Pittsburgh minor league affiliate after signing in late July, so they were still waiting to make their professional debuts as they switched organizations and joined Boston’s ranks.

Vogatsky, 23, and McShane, 22, broke camp this spring with Low-A Salem for the start of their first full pro seasons. They debuted within three days of each other during the first week of April, though the former would end up spending much more time with Boston’s Carolina League affiliate than the latter.

Vogatsky spent the first four months of the 2025 campaign at Salem, posting a 4.87 ERA with 65 strikeouts to 32 walks over 30 relief appearances (57 1/3 innings) in which opponents batted .253 against him. McShane, on the other hand, compiled a 0.63 ERA with 20 strikeouts to four walks across seven relief appearances (14 1/3 innings) in which he held opponents to a .185 batting average before receiving a promotion to High-A Greenville in late April.

McShane picked up where he left off by pitching to a 3.54 ERA with 36 strikeouts to seven walks in his first 14 relief outings (28 innings) for Greenville. He recorded his first two professional saves and limited opponents to a .224 batting average in that time, but appeared in just one game after the calendar flipped from June to July due to a low back strain that ultimately shut him down for the remainder of the season.

Vogatsky, meanwhile, was promoted from Salem to Greenville in early August. He then closed out the season by producing a 2.92 ERA with 14 strikeouts to three walks in seven relief appearances (12 1/3 innings) for the Drive. Opposing hitters in the South Atlantic League batted .260 against him.

Overall, Vogatsky forged a 4.52 ERA with 79 strikeouts to 35 walks in 37 total relief appearances (69 2/3 innings) between Salem and Greenville in 2025. McShane, likewise, put up a 2.55 ERA with 56 strikeouts to 11 walks in 21 total relief appearances (42 1/3 innings) between Salem and Greenville before his season was cut short by injury.

Vogatsky and McShane were among the 62 Red Sox minor leaguers, regardless of level, who threw at least 40 innings this year. Of those 62, Vogatsky notably ranked 27th in strikeout rate (25.5 percent), 28th in strikeouts per nine innings (10.21), 30th in swinging-strike rate (12.4 percent), and 31st in xFIP (3.91). McShane appeared more often in the top half of the leaderboards, as he ranked first in FIP (1.96) and xFIP (2.33), fourth in WHIP (1.06), sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (11.91), strikeout rate (31.6 percent), swinging-strike rate (17.2 percent), and walk rate (6.2 percent), seventh in walks per nine innings (2.34), eighth in ERA, 17th in batting average against (.211), and 21st in groundball rate (46.1 percent), per FanGraphs.

Vogatsky, who turns 24 in December, is not ranked among Boston’s top 60 prospects by SoxProspects.com, which describes him as an “undersized righty with a pure relief profile and intriguing pitch characteristics.” The 6-foot, 215-pounder features a 91-93 mph fastball that has reportedly touched 96 mph in the past, a 79-82 mph sweeper, and an 83-84 mph changeup.

McShane, who turns 23 in November, was recently named a 2025 SoxProspects.com All-Star and is currently regarded by the site as Boston’s No. 41 prospect, which ranks 24th among pitchers in the organization. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder throws from a high three-quarters arm slot and operates with a 93-95 mph fastball that can reach 96 mph, an 83-86 mph slider, and a 79-81 mph changeup.

Assuming they remain with the Red Sox through the winter and into the spring, Vogatsky is projected by SoxProspects.com to return to Greenville for the start of the 2026 season. McShane (if healthy), on the other hand, is projected to make the jump to Double-A Portland.

(Picture of Joe Vogatsky: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Four Red Sox prospects highlighted among Baseball America’s 2025 international standouts

On Wednesday, Baseball America’s Ben Badler identified 40 standout hitting prospects from the 2025 international signing class who played in the Dominican Summer League this season.

Of the 40 players mentioned, four young members of the Red Sox organization made the cut. Hector Ramos was given an “up-arrow signing” tag, while Harold Rivas, Dorian Soto, and Jostin Oganso were labeled as “prospects to watch” that could be breakout candidates moving forward.

Ramos, who turned 18 last month, signed with Boston for $500,000 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in January. The switch-hitting infielder spent his first professional season with DSL Red Sox Blue, batting .254/.384/.443 with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs, 25 RBIs, 33 runs scored, one stolen base, 23 walks, and 32 strikeouts in 36 games (151 plate appearances). He was named a DSL All-Star in July, but got into just two games after the calendar flipped to August due to a left hip strain that ultimately resulted in him being placed on the injured list.

Defensively, Ramos saw the lion’s share of his playing time this year come at shortstop. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder logged 211 innings at the position, committing seven errors in 113 chances. He also started one game at second base and seven games at DH.

Ramos, Badler wrote, “does a lot of things well.” He has “a knack for being on time at the plate to make contact at a high clip and shows a sound sense of the strike zone for his age.” He also “has the actions, body control, and above-average arm strength that give him a good chance to stick at shortstop.”

Rivas, 17, signed with Boston for $950,000 as an international free agent out of Venezuela in January. Like Ramos, the right-handed hitting outfielder spent his first professional season with DSL Red Sox Blue, slashing .258/.393/.384 with six doubles, four triples, two home runs, 20 RBIs, 41 runs scored, 18 stolen bases, 35 walks, and 35 strikeouts in 46 games (196 plate appearances). He also went 3-for-15 (.200) with two RBIs, two runs scored, one stolen base, two walks, and five strikeouts in four postseason contests.

On the other side of the ball, Rivas was used almost exclusively as a center fielder this year. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder logged 315 innings in center, committing four errors and recording seven outfield assists in 103 defensive chances. He also made four starts at DH.

Rivas, Badler wrote, “registered consistent quality at-bats without much swing-and-miss and has the space on his frame to grow into more power.” Elsewhere, he possesses “plus speed, a plus arm, and the mix of first-step quickness, instincts, and range that make him a potentially plus to plus-plus defender” in the outfield.

Soto, 17, signed with Boston for a club-high $1.4 million as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in January. The switch-hitting infielder split his first professional season between DSL Red Sox Red and DSL Red Sox Blue, batting .307/.362/.428 with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 18 RBIs, 27 runs scored, one stolen base, 16 walks, and 28 strikeouts in 47 games (186 plate appearances). He was held out of July’s DSL All-Star Game due to a wrist injury that likely played a role in his quiet performance down the stretch thereafter, though he did take the field for postseason action in August.

Defensively, Soto saw playing time at every infield position besides first base this year. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder logged 230 2/3 innings at shortstop, 42 2/3 innings at third base, and two innings at second base, committing nine errors in 133 total chances. He also made seven starts at DH.

Possessing “significant” physical upside, Soto “can whistle the barrel through the zone with impressive bat speed, giving him a chance to grow into big power,” Badler wrote. “He is a switch-hitter who uses his hands well and is able to keep his long limbs under control to limit his swing-and-miss, though he is also an aggressive hitter who will have to reign [sic] his approach and make better swing decisions.”

Ogando, who turns 18 in December, signed with Boston for $60,000 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in May. Like Ramos and Rivas, the right-handed hitting outfielder spent his first professional season with DSL Red Sox Blue, slashing .282/.433/.427 with three doubles, four home runs, 25 RBIs, 15 runs scored, one stolen base, 24 walks, and 26 strikeouts in 42 games (134 plate appearances). He also went 2-for-14 (.143) with another homer in the postseason.

On the other side of the ball, Ogando saw playing time at first base and both outfield corners this year. The hulking 6-foot-3, 215-pounder logged 237 1/3 innings at first, 18 innings in left (where he recorded one outfield assist), and nine innings in right, committing three errors in 213 total defensive chances. He also made two starts at DH.

Ogando, Badler wrote, was “one of the more impressive power bats” in the Dominican Summer League this season, “producing exit velocities up to 114 mph as a 17-year-old.” Additionally, while Ogando “doesn’t swing and miss much for a player with his power, the lack of loft in his swing limits his game power. When he does get off his “A” swing, he can obliterate baseballs.”

Organizationally, Soto and Ramos are currently regarded by Baseball America as the Nos. 10 and 19 prospects in Boston’s farm system, respectively. Both Rivas and Ogando are unranked, though that could change at some point next year.

With that being said, all four of Ramos, Rivas, Soto, and Ogando are in line to take the next step and make their stateside debuts in the Florida Complex League in 2026.

(Picture of Fenway Park: Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

How did Red Sox pitching prospect Jose Bello (part of return for Rafael Devers) fare after trade?

After writing about James Tibbs III over the weekend, it feels like an appropriate time to examine how the other prospect the Red Sox acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade — Jose Bello — fared in the wake of the blockbuster deal being made in June.

Unlike Tibbs, Bello was not subsequently flipped at the trade deadline the following month and still remains in the organization. The 20-year-old right-hander was originally signed by the Giants for $47,500 as an international free agent coming out of Santo Domingo in January 2023. He spent the better part of his first two professional seasons in the Dominican Summer League before making his stateside debut in the Arizona Complex League last July.

Bello returned to the ACL Giants for the start of his 2025 campaign and posted a 2.00 ERA (1.89 FIP) with 28 strikeouts to three walks in eight relief appearances (18 innings) before being flipped to the Red Sox alongside Tibbs, Kyle Harrison, and Jordan Hicks on June 15. The young righty made the trek eastward and joined Boston’s Florida Complex League affiliate, compiling a 3.14 ERA (2.59 FIP) with 16 strikeouts to eight walks across his next five outings (one start) spanning 14 1/3 innings. He then received a promotion to Low-A Salem on July 25.

Tasked with his first full-season assignment, Bello pitched to a 3.09 ERA (4.04 FIP) with 17 strikeouts to 15 walks in seven appearances (four starts) totaling 23 1/3 innings for Salem. He ended the year on a high note in his September 7 start against Fayetteville, giving up just one unearned run on three hits, two walks, and four strikeouts over five strong frames.

Overall, Bello produced a 2.75 ERA (2.97 FIP) with 61 strikeouts to 14 walks over 20 appearances (five starts) between the ACL, FCL, and Salem in 2025. Opposing hitters batted .210 against him in 55 2/3 total innings across the three levels. That includes a 3.11 ERA (3.49 FIP) and a .234 opponents’ batting average across 37 2/3 innings after being traded from the Giants to the Red Sox.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 164 pounds, Bello throws from a three-quarters arm slot and creates deception with his cross-body delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the athletic hurler features a four-pitch mix that consists of a 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 96 mph, a 90-92 mph cutter, an 83-86 mph slider, and a seldom-used upper-80s changeup.

Bello, who does not turn 21 until May, is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 54 prospect, which ranks 32nd among pitchers in the organization. Barring a trade or other surprise move this winter, he is projected by the site to return to Salem for the start of the 2026 season.

(Picture of Jose Bello: Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images)

How trio of prospects traded by Red Sox at deadline fared with new teams

Ahead of the July 31 trade deadline earlier this summer, the Red Sox made deals for two impending free agents in an effort to bolster their pitching staff for the stretch run. In doing so, they parted ways with a trio of top prospects who had already reached the upper levels of their system.

This article will examine how those prospects — Blaze Jordan, James Tibbs III, and Zach Ehrhard — fared with their new organizations after the trade deadline and what can be expected from each of them moving forward.

Blaze Jordan to the Cardinals

Jordan was dealt to the Cardinals on the morning of July 31 for veteran left-hander Steven Matz. The 22-year-old corner infielder was ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox’ No. 24 prospect at the time of the trade. He had been at Triple-A Worcester since early June and reported to St. Louis’ top affiliate in Memphis for his organizational debut on August 2.

From there, however, Jordan had a rough time of things. The right-handed hitting slugger batted just .198/.242/.366 with six doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 37 RBIs, 21 runs scored, two stolen bases, 10 walks, and 22 strikeouts in 41 games (186 plate appearances) for the Redbirds. Defensively, he made 24 starts at first base, seven starts at third base, and 10 starts at DH.

Overall, Jordan slashed .270/.331/.450 with 28 doubles, two triples, a career-high 19 home runs, a career-high 99 RBIs, 80 runs scored, five stolen bases, 43 walks, and 60 strikeouts in 129 total games (544 plate appearances) between Double-A Portland and two Triple-A affiliates this season. He is currently regarded by Baseball America as the Cardinals’ No. 19 prospect.

A former third-round draft pick out of DeSoto Central High School (Miss.) in 2020, Jordan can once again become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter. The Cardinals, whose baseball operations department is now headed by old friend Chaim Bloom, have until late next month to decide if Jordan is worth adding to the 40-man roster ahead of his age-23 season in 2026.

James Tibbs III, Zach Ehrhard to the Dodgers

Hours after trading Jordan to the Cardinals, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow surprised many by dealing a pair of outfield prospects in Tibbs and Ehrhard to the Dodgers for oft-injured right-hander Dustin May.

Tibbs, of course, was the top prospect the Red Sox received from the Giants in the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade on June 15. The 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Florida State was elevated from the High-A level to Portland after that controversial deal was made and was ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 10 prospect.

After struggling to a .586 OPS in 30 games with Portland, Tibbs turned a corner upon switching organizations for the second time in his young career and immersing himself in the more hitter-friendly Texas League. In 36 games with the Dodgers’ Double-A Tulsa affiliate, the left-handed hitting 23-year-old batted .269/.407/.493 with five doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 32 RBIs, 25 runs scored, five stolen bases, 29 walks, and 36 strikeouts over 168 plate appearances. On the other side of the ball, he made 23 starts in right field, six starts at first base, two starts in left field, and five starts at DH for the Drillers.

As part of a whirlwind first full professional season, Tibbs slashed .243/.373/.429 with 17 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs, 71 RBIs, 82 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, 90 walks, and 120 strikeouts in 123 total games (562 plate appearances) between High-A Eugene and two Double-A affiliates. He is currently regarded by Baseball America as Los Angeles’ No. 26 prospect and is likely ticketed for a return to Tulsa out of the gate next spring.

Ehrhard, meanwhile, was ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox’ No. 29 prospect after being selected by the club for a second time in the fourth round of the 2024 draft out of Oklahoma State. Like Tibbs, Ehrhard was in Portland (where he was teammates with his older brother, Drew) when the trade for May was made and reported to Tulsa shortly thereafter.

In a similar fashion to Tibbs, Ehrhard flipped a switch after being dealt to the Dodgers and suiting up for the Drillers. The right-handed hitting 22-year-old batted .282/.391/.466 with seven doubles, one triple, five home runs, 20 RBIs, 32 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 21 walks, and 21 strikeouts in 34 games (161 plate appearances) for the Texas League affiliate. Defensively, he made 23 starts in center field, five starts in left field, and six starts at DH.

Altogether, Ehrhard slashed .272/.374/.439 with 30 doubles, two triples, 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, 85 runs scored, 37 stolen bases, 67 walks, and 97 strikeouts in 123 total games (538 plate appearances) between High-A Greenville and two Double-A affiliates in 2025. He is currently regarded by Baseball America as Los Angeles’ No. 27 prospect and, like Tibbs, is presumably in line to return to Tulsa for the start of the 2026 campaign.

(Picture of Blaze Jordan: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Who are Josue Brito and Angelo Ladera? Get to know the Red Sox’ Latin Program Position Player, Pitcher of the Year

As part of pre-game ceremonies on the field at Fenway Park last Friday night, the Red Sox recognized their seven minor-league award winners for the 2025 season. Among the honorees were the organization’s Latin Program Position Player of the Year, Josue Brito, and Latin Program Pitcher of the Year, Angelo Ladera.

Brito repeated the Dominican Summer League this season after originally signing with Boston for $20,000 as an international free agent coming out of Venezuela in January 2024. In 43 games for DSL Red Sox Blue, the right-handed hitting 18-year-old batted .284/.497/.606 with eight doubles, nine home runs, 30 RBIs, 31 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 41 walks, and 32 strikeouts over 157 plate appearances. That includes a .350/.552/.900 slash line against lefties and a .270/.484/.539 slash line against righties.

Among 304 qualified Dominican Summer League hitters in 2025, Brito ranked second in slugging percentage, OPS (1.103), isolated power (.321), and wOBA (.521), third in wRC+ (179), fifth in on-base percentage, sixth in walk rate (26.1 percent), 49th in line-drive rate (23.6 percent), and 95th in batting average, per FanGraphs.

Defensively, Brito saw playing time at four different positions this season. The 6-foot, 175-pounder logged 153 innings at first base, 86 innings in left field, 37 innings in right field (where he recorded two assists), and one-third of an inning at second base, committing two errors in 180 total chances. He also made one start at DH and converted his lone save opportunity in the process of making five scoreless relief appearances (3 2/3 innings) on the mound.

Like Brito, Ladera is 18 and hails from Venezuela. The 6-foot, 168-pound right-hander signed with Boston for just $10,000 as an international free agent in February and made his professional debut in June. In 12 regular-season outings (three starts) for DSL Red Sox Red, he forged a 2.20 ERA (3.70 FIP) with 36 strikeouts to 15 walks over 32 2/3 innings in which he held opposing hitters to a .164 batting average. He tossed 3 2/3 scoreless frames in his lone start for DSL Red Sox Blue in the playoffs as well.

Among 293 pitchers who threw at least 30 regular-season innings in the Dominican Summer League this year, Ladera ranked eighth in batting average against, 24th in ERA, 27th in WHIP (1.01), 43rd in strikeout rate (27.9 percent), 49th in FIP, 56th in swinging-strike rate (17 percent), 76th in strikeouts per nine innings (9.92), and 85th in xFIP (4.12), per FanGraphs.

Neither Brito, who turns 19 in April, nor Ladera, who turns 19 next month, is currently ranked among Boston’s top 60 prospects by SoxProspects.com. They are both projected by the site to make their stateside debuts in the Florida Complex League in 2026.

(Picture of Fenway Park: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

How did former Red Sox pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz fare in first season with Yankees organization?

With the Red Sox and Yankees set to square off in a best-of-three Wild Card series in the Bronx beginning Tuesday night, it feels like an appropriate time to revisit the noteworthy trade the two clubs made at the Winter Meetings last December.

Just hours after pulling off a blockbuster five-player trade with the White Sox for All-Star ace Garrett Crochet on December 11, the Red Sox acquired rookie catcher Carlos Narvaez from the Yankees for pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz.

In a rare swap between division rivals, Boston obtained a 26-year-old backstop who has since emerged as the club’s top catching option and one of the best defenders at his position. New York, on the other hand, obtained a young pitcher who just now appears to be tapping into his potential.

A former fourth-round draft pick of the Red Sox in 2021 out of Leadership Christian Academy in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez-Cruz reached High-A Greenville last season before being dealt to the Yankees a little more than nine months ago. The 22-year-old right-hander began opening eyes in spring training and broke camp with High-A Hudson Valley in early April.

In 15 appearances (14 starts) for the Renegades, Rodriguez-Cruz posted a 2.26 ERA (2.58 FIP) with 99 strikeouts to 37 walks over 83 2/3 innings in which he held opponents to a .174 batting average. He was rewarded with a promotion to Double-A Somerset shortly before the MLB All-Star break in July and — even after struggling in his debut at the level — produced a 2.64 ERA (2.28 FIP) with 74 strikeouts to 20 walks over 11 starts (61 1/3 innings) for the Patriots in which opposing hitters batted .198 against him.

Following the conclusion of the Double-A season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez up another level so that he could end the year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The righty started the RailRiders’ penultimate game of the regular season on September 20, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, no walks, and three strikeouts over five innings. He took the mound again in the deciding Game 3 of the International League championship series last Thursday and was saddled with the loss after surrendering five earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Despite how it ended, 2025 was nonetheless a standout year for Rodriguez-Cruz. Between three minor-league levels, he finished the regular season having forged a 2.58 ERA (2.47 FIP) with 176 strikeouts to 57 walks across 27 total outings (26 starts) spanning exactly 150 innings pitched. Among the 288 minor-leaguers who threw at least 100 innings this season, he ranked third in FIP, fifth in xFIP (2.81), seventh in groundball rate (54.5 percent), 13th in batting average against (.192), 17th in ERA, 19th in strikeout rate (29 percent), 25th in WHIP (1.07), 30th in strikeouts per nine innings (10.56), and 39th in swinging-strike rate (13.8 percent), per FanGraphs.

In the days since his season drew to a close, Rodriguez-Cruz has already been recognized by Baseball America as a High-A All-Star, a First Team Minor League All-Star, and the Yankees’ 2025 Minor League Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 hurler is currently ranked by the publication as the No. 5 prospect in New York’s farm system and the No. 99 prospect in the sport. What helped him gain traction this year is an already-diverse pitch mix that now consists of a mid-90s sinker that has reached 98 mph, a four-seam fastball, a sweeper, a curveball, a splitter, and a gyro slider.

Rodriguez-Cruz, who does not turn 23 until next August, is in line to be added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster for Rule 5 protection purposes this winter. If that does indeed happen, Rodriguez-Cruz could very well put himself in position to debut at the big-league level at some point in 2026.

(Picture of Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: Madison McCall/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)

Is Red Sox IF prospect Yoeilin Cespedes primed to bounce back in 2026?

Earlier this month, Baseball America identified one prospect from each organization in need of a bounce-back 2026 season after a disappointing 2025.

Their pick from the Red Sox? Infielder Yoeilin Cespedes, who celebrated his 20th birthday on September 8.

Originally signed for $1.4 million as a highly-touted international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic in January 2023, Cespedes made great strides to begin his professional career. Out of the gate, the Azua native was recognized as a Dominican Summer League All-Star and the Red Sox’ Minor League Latin Program Position Player of the Year. He followed that up by setting fire to the rookie-level Florida Complex League to kick off his 2024 campaign.

After batting .319/.400/.615 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 25 FCL games, Cespedes received a promotion to Low-A Salem last June. Due to lingering soreness in his left hand, however, Cespedes was placed on the injured list before appearing in a game for Boston’s Carolina League affiliate. He was then ultimately diagnosed with a broken hamate bone and underwent season-ending surgery in July as a result.

On the heels of a frustrating end to an otherwise promising first season stateside, Cespedes rehabbed through the winter and entered 2025 as Baseball America’s sixth-ranked Red Sox prospect. He broke camp with Salem in the spring and made his long-awaited Low-A debut in early April. In his first 70 games, he batted just .213/.264/.350 with 15 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 33 RBIs, 31 runs scored, six stolen bases, 21 walks, and 65 strikeouts over 303 plate appearances leading up to the MLB All-Star break in mid-July.

Coming out of the break on July 18, though, Cespedes began to produce more encouraging results. The aggressive right-handed hitter ended the year by slashing .252/.341/.424 with nine doubles, one triple, five home runs, 21 RBIs, 25 runs scored, five stolen bases, 20 walks, and 36 strikeouts in his final 40 games (174 plate appearances) for Salem.

Overall, Cespedes hit .227/.292/.376 with 24 doubles, five triples, 10 home runs, 54 RBIs, 56 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, 41 walks, and 101 strikeouts over 110 games (477 plate appearances) as a 19-year-old in Low-A this season. That includes a .222/.292/.351 line in 381 plate appearances against right-handed pitching and a .244/.292/.477 line in 96 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.

Among 47 qualified hitters in the Carolina League this year, Cespedes notably ranked first in pull rate (59.8 percent), seventh in isolated power (.150), eighth in line-drive rate (25.2 percent), ninth in fly-ball rate (42.6 percent), and 14th in slugging percentage, per FanGraphs.

Defensively, Cespedes saw all of his playing time on the field this season come at either second base or shortstop. The compact 5-foot-8, 181-pounder logged 773 2/3 innings at the former and 54 innings at the latter, committing 17 errors in 43o total chances. Interestingly, he did not play any shortstop after May 7. He also made 12 starts at DH.

Cespedes now finds himself ranked as Boston’s No. 14 prospect by Baseball America, which theorizes that he will “need to harness his bat-to-ball skills and ample bat speed more consistently” to take a step forward in 2026. Barring a trade or other surprise move this winter, he is expected to make the jump to High-A Greenville to start next season.

(Picture of Yoeilin Cespedes: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)