Fall/Winter Roundup: Narvaez shines in playoffs; Rivera sharp again

The playoffs continued down in Venezuela, while the Robert Clemente Professional Baseball League in Puerto Rico closed out the regular season. Only two Red Sox players were in action, and both played key roles for their respective clubs. This week's roundup covers all of the action from December 30 through January 5, and stats for all participating players can be found at the SoxProspects.com Fall & Winter Leagues page. 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)

Eduardo Rivera (pictured) continues to be a standout in Puerto Rico. The towering six-foot-seven lefthander fired six shutout innings, scattering two hits and walking two against six strikeouts. He earned the victory in Santurce's penultimate regular-season contest as the Cangrejeros to second place in the final standings. In 33 innings, Rivera has a 1.36 ERA and 50 strikeouts while walking only 10. He was the lone player in action in Puerto Rico this week from the Sox system.

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Venezuelan Professional Baseball League 

The Cardenales de Lara are off to a hot start in the Venezuelan playoffs, thanks in large part to the play of Carlos Narvaez. Lara has won each of its first six games of the Round Robin. Narvaez appeared in all four games this week, starting twice apiece at catcher and first base. He went 3 for 12 and walked five times, scoring three runs. 

Photo Credit: Eduardo Rivera by Kelly O'Connor

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Podcast Ep. #346: Closing 2024 with a Buehler Signing

Ian and Chris wrap up 2024 with a look at the latest Red Sox moves, including the Walker Buehler signing and some minor trades from the back of the 40-man roster. Plus, takes from Craig Breslow's media availability and a slew of your emails!

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Newly acquired Narvaez performs well in playoffs

Three players saw action this past week for their respective winter league clubs. The playoffs are in full swing for the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, while the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League is getting toward the end of the regular season. 

 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC)

Eduardo Rivera (pictured) made one start this past week and he made it a good one. The southpaw tossed 4 1/2 innings while allowing just one unearned run. He only gave up two hits and two walks while punching out five. He now has a very impressive 1.09 ERA across 24 2/3 innings this winter with 41 strikeouts and just six walks. Juan Montero got into two games but didn't start either. He pinch-hit in one game, going 0 for 1, and then pinch-ran in another and came around to score a run. He is 4 for 14 in six games this winter. 

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Help Wanted: Staff Writer & Social Media Specialist

We are opening two new positions at SoxProspects.com! For both of these positions, we're seeking a commitment through the end of 2025, but ideally, we’re looking for someone who will want to stick around with us long term if there’s a mutual fit. Here are the details of the positions:

Staff Writer: The Staff Writer will write our daily Cup of Coffee column once or twice per week, author our Weekly Notes column at least once per month, and otherwise chip in to help on SoxProspects News as needed. We also usually ask for some extra help during draft week, which is happening in the July 13-15 time range in 2025. The time commitment for this position will be roughly 2 hours per week during the season, with significantly less in the off-season.

Social Media Specialist: The SMS will join our existing social media team helping to assist with our Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok feeds, both during the day and in the evening during games. The overall time commitment will vary. The primary task for this position will be to help post to our social media accounts in real-time during Red Sox affiliate games in the evenings, so an ideal candidate will be someone who can regularly – but not necessarily every single day – follow games and post noteworthy content. We also are all ears on ideas for new and interesting content to add to our social media accounts!

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Playoffs begin in Venezuela

After a busy week during the Winter Meetings, things slowed abruptly toward the holidays. No Red Sox prospects saw game action during the week of December 16-22. The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League saw its regular season end on the 21st, and the playoffs started on the 22nd. Bryan Mata and Carlos Narvaez saw their teams qualify for the playoffs, but neither player is guaranteed to play. Magallanes is looking for a permit to extend Mata's time with the club, while Narvaez has not played since the Red Sox acquired him on December 11. In Puerto Rico, the regular season is scheduled to end on January 4, with the playoffs running from January 5-15. 

Our Fall & Winter Leagues page updates throughout the offseason with statistics and rosters for the Red Sox prospects appearing in these leagues. 

Photo Credit: Bryan Mata by Kelly O'Connor

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Podcast Ep# 345: Patrick Sandoval signs and answering your questions

Ian is joined by SoxProspects Founder and Editor in Chief Mike Andrews this week to talk about the latest happenings with major league free agency, including the Red Sox signing of Patrick Sandoval. After that they discuss the first batch of non roster invitees to spring training and the changes to the SoxProspects rankings as a result of the recent trades. To wrap up the show, they answer a bunch of questions from Twitter/X, including what the future holds for Marcelo Mayer and Miguel Bleis, what would go into a Roman Anthony extension and who are their breakout prospects for 2025. Thank you as always for listening and Happy Holidays from all of us at SoxProspects!

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Valdez traded to Pirates; Rivera shines again for Santurce

The annual Winter Meetings brought about some change within the Red Sox organization. In addition to acquiring Garrett Crochet from the White Sox for four prospects, Boston brought in a pitcher (via the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft) and a catcher (via a trade with the Yankees) who are currently playing winter ball in Puerto Rico and Venezuela, respectively. This update covers all the action in the Caribbean from December 9-15. Please also visit our SoxProspects.com Fall/Winter page, updated daily.

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)

Darvin Garcia, acquired from the Pirates in the minor-league phase of last week's Rule 5 Draft, has spent his winter with Carolina. In nine relief appearances for the Gigantes, the 25-year-old righty out of the Dominican Republic has posted a 6.97 ERA and 1.74 WHIP with 14 strikeouts to six walks over 10 1/3 innings. Eduardo Rivera turned in another solid start for Santurce on Saturday, allowing two unearned runs on three hits, one walk, and 11 strikeouts over five innings to lower his ERA on the season to 1.09. Brian Van Belle recorded his first hold of the winter on Wednesday by firing two scoreless frames of relief in Caguas' 3-1 win over Mayaguez. Mickey Gasper has not appeared in a game for Caguas since being placed on the inactive list on December 4. Juan Montero appeared in two games for Ponce, going 1 for 5 with one run scored and one walk.

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Podcast Ep #344: Garrett Crochet and a Busy Rule 5 Day

The Red Sox finally made their big move, dealing four of their top 20 prospects for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Ian and Chris broke down the deal, looking at the players going both ways and whether either team came out on top. Plus, Elmer Rodriguez was dealt for Carlos Narvaez and, oh yeah, the Rule 5 Draft happened, with one Sox farmhand getting picked in the MLB phase while the team came out even in the minor league phase, with four new players replacing four more players who will be moving on to other teams.

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Trade Analysis: Scouting the prospects dealt for Garrett Crochet

On Wednesday afternoon, the Red Sox finally secured the high-end starting pitcher they have been after for years, acquiring 25-year-old left-handed starter Garrett Crochet from the White Sox for a package of four prospects: catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez. Crochet is coming off an All-Star season during which he had a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 146 innings with 209 strikeouts to 33 walks. He is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make roughly $2.9 million next year in his second year of arbitration. The 146 innings was more than he had thrown in his prior three MLB seasons combined, which were marked by a variety of injuries including Tommy John surgery in 2022 and shoulder inflammation in 2023, and during which he worked out of the bullpen. Still, his stuff, when healthy, is electric, and he finally showed what he is capable of in a starter's role in 2024. 

To acquire Crochet, the Red Sox gave up quite the trade package, sending four prospects in their (very strong) top 20 as ranked here by SoxProspects. Here is a look at the former Red Sox farmhands changing the color of their hosiery today: 

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Rivera shines for Santurce

While the free agent machinations dominated baseball news over the weekend, the Caribbean Winter Leagues continued their play. They reached the All-Star game in Puerto Rico, while some old friends popped up in the Nicaraguan Winter League. This week's update covers the period from December 2 through 8. Please also visit our SoxProspects.com Fall/Winter page, updated daily. 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)

Nobody from the organization was selected to the circuit's All-Star game on Sunday, but all four players did see game action this week. Eduardo Rivera (pictured) turned in a strong start for Santurce on Friday, allowing just one run on two hits across five innings against Mayaguez, striking out nine against two walks. He departed with a 4-1 lead that the bullpen could not hold, resulting in a no decision. Brian Van Belle got the start on Monday for Caguas, taking the loss with six runs on nine hits in three innings. He pitched out of the bullpen Friday, allowing one run in two innings. Mickey Gasper (Caguas) was 1 for 4 in his only appearance of the week, while Juan Montero was 2 for 4 with a strikeout on Saturday for Ponce.

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Dominican Winter League

Enmanuel Valdez was the only player in action in the Dominican this week. The infielder appeared in four games for Estrellas, making three starts. He was 1 for 13 with three walks (one intentional), bringing his line to .175/.274/.272 on the season. Bryan Gonzalez (Escogido) did not appear in a game.

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Venezuelan Professional Baseball League

Bryan Mata pitched a scoreless fourth inning for Magallanes in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, allowing one hit.

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Nicaraguan Professional Baseball League

No current Red Sox players are playing in Nicaragua, but readers may be interested in the All-Star rosters: former outfielders Rusney Castillo and Gilberto Jimenez were recognized. They were managed by Luis Sumoza (pictured), who played in the system from 2005 through 2008 and was dealt to Atlanta in the deal that brought Mark Kotsay to Boston.

Photo Credit: Eduardo Rivera, Luis Sumoza by Kelly O'Connor

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Podcast Ep. #343: Waiting on Soto

Ian and Chris are back to discuss the latest hot stove news and rumors. Of course, things start with the latest on Juan Soto and how it is the primary inflection point for the rest of the offseason. They then dig in on the Red Sox' signing of Aroldis Chapman and other big news around the game, including Willy Adames signing with the Giants and Tyler O'Neill signing with the Orioles (in real time). Finally, they warp with your email questions, including a discussion of Marcelo Mayer and the upcoming MLB Draft Lottery and Rule 5 Draft.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Valdez belts clutch homer

With three leagues going on, a few players had big performances both on the mound and at the plate. This recap covers seven Sox players that saw action this past week. 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC/Puerto Rico)

Young lefty Eduardo Rivera had another good week on the mound for Santurce. He started one game and went five innings, surrendering just five hits and one earned run. He punched out five and walked one. Rivera now has a 1.23 ERA in 14 2/3 innings this winter. Brian Van Belle was also terrific in his lone start of the week, tossing five shutout innings. He only allowed one hit, struck out five, and did not issue a free pass. His ERA lowers to 1.93 in 14 innings this winter. 

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Mata re-signed to minor league deal; Rivera stands out in Puerto Rico

Entering the week, two players were in flux as Bryan Mata was designated for assignment and Alex Speas was a minor league free agent. Both got resolved, with Mata re-signing to a minor league deal (along with Isaiah Campbell), while Speas signed a minor league deal with Minnesota. The action was a bit lighter this week with the Arizona Fall League done for the season, but there were some notable performances. 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC/Puerto Rico)

Eduardo Rivera (pictured), a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher, continues to shine for Santurce. In two appearances this week, including one start, he allowed one run over five innings while walking one and striking out seven. His ERA sits at 0.93 after nine innings, and he has two walks to 16 strikeouts. Brian Van Belle lost his only appearance after allowing three runs on three hits over four innings. 

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Podcast Ep #342: End of Season Rankings Discussion

Chris and Ian are back this holiday week to talk about the official SoxProspects end of season rankings! They go through the entire list from 1-60 and discuss all the major risers and fallers and why certain players ended up where they did. They also briefly discussed the latest transactions and answered your emails!

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Podcast Ep #341: Things Are Happening, Sort Of

Chris and Ian are back with an action packed episode! They start out by reacting to the recent Red Sox news including Nick Pivetta declining the qualifying offer and all the Rule 5 deadline movement. They discuss why Hunter Dobbins and Jhostynxon Garcia were added to the 40-man, why Bryan Mata was removed and why players like Yordanny Monegro and Allan Castro weren’t. After that, they discuss the Justin Wilson signing and all the latest Red Sox rumors, including what’s going on with Juan Soto and Garrett Crochet. Finally, they end with a massive emails segment.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: AFL season ends; Mata debuts in Venezuela

With the 2024 Arizona Fall League season ending on Saturday, eight Red Sox minor leaguers saw their years draw to a close. Several other members of the organization continue to play winter ball across the Caribbean. That includes a former top pitching prospect taking the mound in his native Venezuela. This update covers all the game action from November 11-17. Please also visit our SoxProspects.com Fall/Winter page, updated daily.

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Arizona Fall League

The sixth and final week of the AFL regular season was a quiet one at the plate for Boston's position-playing contingent on the Mesa Solar Sox, who fell short of advancing to the playoffs. Brooks Brannon appeared in two games and went 1 for 8 with one RBI, and three strikeouts. Caden Rose appeared in three games and went 1 for 8 with one double, four walks, and five strikeouts. Max Ferguson appeared in two games and went 1 for 7 with one stolen base and one walk.

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Podcast Ep #340: Geoff Pontes returns to talk about Roki Sasaki

Ian is joined by Geoff Pontes of Baseball America to discuss the huge news that Roki Sasaki is being posted this offseason. First, they discuss the timing of him coming over and why that matters. They then discuss his performance over in Japan and if there are any concerns about his workload and health, before a deep dive into his arsenal. Finally, they speculate on the factors that will go into his signing process and how much money teams will have to spend on him. To end the show, Ian briefly discusses the AFL including the three Red Sox who made the Fall Stars team and previews the next week with Nick Pivetta’s QO decision looming.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Brannon, Ferguson, Kirwin named Fall Stars; LBPRC kicks off

The Winter Leagues continue to ramp up in the Caribbean, with four Red Sox players suiting up as the Roberto Clemente League in Puerto Rico got started this week. The Arizona Fall League reached its All-Star Break, with a trio of Sox participating. This week's update covers the period from November 4 through 10. Please also visit our SoxProspects.com Fall/Winter page, updated daily. 

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Arizona Fall League

Three members of Boston's Mesa Solar Sox contingent were named to the American League for the annual Fall Stars game: pitcher Danny Kirwin, catcher Brooks Brannon, and utilityman Max Ferguson (pictured). All three got into the action in Saturday's contest. Ferguson got the start at shortstop, going 0 for 1 with a walk and a run scored. Brannon entered as a pinch hitter for the DH position, going 0 for 2. Kirwin pitched the sixth inning, surrendering a game-tying run on two hits. The American League emerged victorious on a ninth-inning home run by Tigers' catcher Thayron Liranzo.

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Podcast Ep #339: Offseason Preview!

With the World Series over and free agency open, Ian and Chris get together to preview the offseason. They start out talking about the decision to give Nick Pivetta the qualifying offer and the other players who received them, before moving onto a Red Sox specific discussion about what they should do this offseason. First, they start out discussing how to improve the rotation and what is the best route to go to add a front line pitcher. They then briefly discuss how to upgrade the bullpen, before an in depth discussion how upgrading the lineup isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Finally, they wrap up the show by answering your emails!

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Brannon stays hot; Valdez homers

It was a tough week for the Mesa Solar Sox in Arizona. They went 2-4 to drop to third place after sitting in a tie for first place on Monday. Every Red Sox player got into at least one game this week, with Brooks Brannon (pictured) again leading the way. In the Dominican, Enmanuel Valdéz hit his first home run. 

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Arizona Fall League

After posting an 8-for-20 week, Brooks Brannon is hitting .333 with a .875 OPS this fall. He notched three doubles while driving in two runs. He struck out four times without drawing a walk, and on defense, he had one caught stealing while allowing eight stolen bases and a passed ball. Caden Rose turned in a solid week, going 7 for 23 (.304) with three runs scored, three RBI, two doubles, a walk, three strikeouts, and an outfield assist at home. That helped push his average up to .226 with an OPS of .656. Max Ferguson saw his numbers regress, as he went 1 for 14 with one run scored, one walk, and four strikeouts. He committed an error, stole a base, and hit two sacrifice flies as his OPS dropped to .697. 

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