Top Red Sox prospect Franklin Arias promoted to Triple-A Worcester
The top Red Sox prospect is now one step away from the big leagues.
On Thursday, the Sox, according to a major league source, promoted shortstop Franklin Arias from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, a nod to the 20-year-old’s dominance this year. Arias leads the Eastern League in OPS (.994) while ranking among league leaders in batting average (.318, second), on-base percentage (.407, third), slugging (.587, second), and home runs (19, tied for third) — marks made even more impressive by the fact he’s one of the youngest position players in the upper levels of the minors.
Read more Richard Carapaz wins Tour’s 18th stage with late breakaway, while Tadej Pogacar keeps overall lead
Arias entered the year ranked by Baseball America as the No. 49 prospect in the game based on his strong defense and elite contact skills, but with questions about his power potential. Many saw him as a future everyday shortstop but not a star.
But during the offseason, Arias worked to add weight and strength while improving his contact point and bat path in an effort to drive more balls in the air. The results were startling, with Arias hitting more home runs in 75 games with the Sea Dogs this year as he did in 240 minor league games across his first three pro seasons.
Arias has flown up prospect rankings. In its most recent update, Baseball America tabbed him at No. 3.
Read more Celtics sign Jordan Walsh to three-year, $15 million contract extension
“I think he’s a superstar,” one National League evaluator said this month. “There’s just not a lot of things he doesn’t do well. I don’t know what you’re not supposed to like.”
Though Arias has been the best player in the Eastern League, the Sox were comfortable keeping him in Double-A for an extended run — a common practice with their top prospects in recent years. Arias rejoined the Sea Dogs following the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia, but this week 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.
Post Comment