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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Podcast Ep #338: Red Sox, Inc.

While perhaps not the sexiest news for fans to hear during the World Series, the Red Sox completed a full restructuring of their baseball operations this week. Ian and Chris got on the horn to discuss, then moved on to checking in on key upcoming dates in the offseason, the status of the Red Sox representatives in the Arizona Fall League, and of course, your emails! 

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Ferguson has big week, Brannon belts long homer

The Arizona Fall League, Dominican Professional League, and Mexican Pacific Leagues each have Red Sox players in action. There are eight players playing in the AFL, while LIDOM and LMP each have one player representing the Sox. This update covers all games from October 21-27. 

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Arizona Fall League

 

Max Ferguson (pictured) had a tremendous week at the plate, going 5 for 14 (.357) with two singles, two doubles, and one home run. He reached base in all four games that he played in, drove in four runs, stole a base, and also drew a pair of walks. For the season he is batting .293/.408/.463 in 11 games with four doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and eight walks. Brooks Brannon and Caden Rose had very similar weeks, as each went 2 for 12 with a single and a home run. Brannon also drew a walk and struck out six times. The catcher's home run was an absolute blast, going 468 feet. Rose added two walks and a stolen base to his week. On the season, Rose is hitting just .184 but he has a very solid .340 OBP due to an impressive nine walks in 13 games.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Brannon heats up in Arizona; Valdez joins Estrellas

While the 2024 Arizona Fall League season rolls on, winter ball has just started back up in the Caribbean. With eight players suiting up for the Mesa Solar Sox, the Red Sox are well-represented out west. In the Dominican Republic, one member of Boston's 40-man roster with past winter ball experience is playing for Estrellas Orientales. This update covers all the game action from October 14-20.

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Arizona Fall League

The Mesa Solar Sox went 2-3 this past week and are now 6-5 overall. Brooks Brannon (pictured) appeared in three games, catching once and slotting in as the DH twice. The right-handed hitting 20-year-old went 7 for 12 with one home run, two RBIs, four runs scored, two walks, and one strikeout. He threw out one of four possible base stealers last Thursday. Max Ferguson also got into three games, making two starts at shortstop and one in right field. The left-handed hitting 25-year-old went 1 for 8 with one double, one RBI, three runs scored, five walks, and three strikeouts. Caden Rose appeared in four games and played all three outfield spots. The right-handed hitting 23-year-old went 2 for 11 with one double, four RBIs, one stolen base, two walks, and four strikeouts.

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Podcast Ep #337: Red Sox Player Development Director Brian Abraham

Ian and Chris welcomed Red Sox Director of Player Development Brian Abraham back to the show as we continue looking back on the 2024 season. Brian discussed the ways in which the organization's player development processes and plans have evolved, including how the organization trains bat speed in hitters and velocity in pitchers. Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on the Big 4 and players like Braden Montgomery, Conrad Cason, Mikey Romero, Jhostynxon Garcia, Hunter Dobbins, and others. Whether you're a seasoned farm follower or a prospect newbie, there's something here for you!

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Brannon highlights roster as Arizona Fall League kicks off

The 2024 minor league season has gone, but the coverage here on SoxProspects.com continues with our weekly updates on the goings-on of the many Fall and Winter Leagues. Boston has eight players assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League, which began play on Monday, October 7. This update covers game action through Sunday the 13th. 

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Arizona Fall League

In previous seasons, many of the nationally-ranked players in the high minors in the Red Sox system would have been likely highlights in Arizona. Instead of stars like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, the 2024 contingent is composed mainly of players looking to either establish or re-establish their prospect status. Of the eight players sent by Boston, only catcher Brooks Brannon is currently ranked in the SoxProspects.com Top 60. Brannon appeared in four games for the Solar Sox, twice catching and two other times slotting in as the designated hitter. He was 3 for 16, striking out seven times. Speedy outfielders Caden Rose and Max Ferguson are Boston's other two position player representatives. Rose was just 3 for 15 but drew five walks on the week, scoring five runs and stealing a pair of bases. Ferguson was 6 for 19, including a 3-for-4 effort with a pair of RBI in Saturday's loss to Peoria.

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Podcast Ep #336: SoxProspects Awards Discussion

Ian is back in the hosting chair this episode and is joined by Mike Andrews to break down all the SoxProspects Award winners! They go through all the all stars and each award, discussing the criteria, winner, who else was in consideration and even who the past winners were. They also briefly talk about the recent turnover on the Red Sox coaching staff and answer a few emails!

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2024 SoxProspects.com Awards: Pitcher of the Year

This concludes the fifth and final day of 2024 SoxProspects.com Awards Week. Throughout the week, we have recognized All-Star position players and pitchers, the Graduate of the Year, the Homegrown Player of the Year, the Ex-Prospect of the Year, the Rookie of the Year, the Comeback Player of the Year, the Breakout Player of the Year, and the Player of the Year. To wrap things up, we will name the recipient of Pitcher of the Year honors.

Pitcher of the Year

From unranked to a top-25 prospect, Juan Valera (pictured) certainly made his mark in 2024. The 18-year-old right-hander came into the season with little fanfare after signing with the Red Sox for $45,000 as an international free agent in April 2023 and posting a 5.93 ERA over 27 1/3 innings as part of his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League.

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2024 SoxProspects.com Awards: Player of the Year

Welcome to the fifth and final day of 2024 SoxProspects.com Awards Week. Throughout the week, we have recognized All-Star pitchers and position players, the Graduate of the Year, the Homegrown Player of the Year, the Ex-Prospect of the Year, the Rookie of the Year, the Comeback Player of the Year, and the Breakout Player of the Year. Today, we start by naming the recipient of Player of the Year honors.

Player of the Year

For the second time in the last three seasons, our Breakout Player of the Year is also our overall Player of the Year. Kristian Campbell (pictured), the 132nd overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Georgia Tech, enjoyed quite the meteoric rise in his first full professional season.

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2024 SoxProspects.com Awards: Rookie, Breakout, Comeback Players of the Year

We continue our SoxProspects.com Awards week with our Rookie, Breakout, and Comeback players of the year. Eligible Rookies will have fewer than 50 plate appearances or 15 innings pitched in their minor league careers. Comeback Player is awarded a player who has returned to prospect form from injury, poor performance, or a combination of the two. Breakout Player recognizes the player who made the greatest jump in prospect status during the season. The 2024 honorees included three players in the high minor leagues, all of whom currently sit in the top 25 in the current SoxProspects.com rankings.

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Rookie of the Year: Connelly Early

At first glance, Early's 2024 line does not leap out. The 2023 fifth-round pick out of the University of Virginia finished the season with a 3.99 ERA in 103 2/3 innings split between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. However, the combination of impressive peripheral numbers to match an intriguing scouting profile earns the 22-year-old southpaw recognition as the system's top rookie. Early's 138 strikeouts placed him second in the system, while his 30.9 percent rate was tops in the organization among those with more than 80 innings. He balanced that with solid walk numbers (39, an 8.7 percent rate), and only seven home runs allowed on the season. Much of Early's success is due to his rare combination of both being able to miss bats and keep the ball on the ground--his 64.5 percent ground ball rate was best in the organization. This produced a 2.82 xERA, a good indicator of his effectiveness that portends well for his development. 

In addition to his fastball which touches the mid-90's, Early uses a changeup to particular effectiveness against right-handed batters, leading to slightly reversed platoon splits. Early is currently slotted 25th in the SoxProspects.com rankings after starting the season at 47th.

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2024 SoxProspects.com Awards: Graduate, Homegrown and Ex-Prospect

We continue our SoxProspects.com Awards coverage with the 2024 Graduate, Homegrown Player, and Ex-Prospect of the year. The winners include two young left-handed hitting outfielders as well as a star who is on a path to the Hall of Fame.

Graduate of the Year: Wilyer Abreu

It was a very successful first full season in Boston for Abreu (pictured, left), who had a 28-game cup of coffee at the end of 2023. In 132 games, Abreu slashed .253/.322/.459 with 33 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, and 58 RBI. He had a minor setback in June when he missed a few weeks with a right ankle sprain. He came back strong from the injury with an .842 OPS in July and an .896 OPS in August. Even though he likely won't win, Abreu figures to have a healthy finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Among 26 rookie position players in the AL, Abreu finished fourth in fWAR with 3.1. 

Abreu had a stellar season with his glove in right field, finishing fourth in all of baseball, and first among outfielders, with 18 defensive runs saved. Per Baseball Savant, he finished with seven outs above average and was in the 90th percentile for fielding run value. 

Combining 2023 and 2024, Abreu has played in a full season's worth of games with 160. The 25-year old has hit .263/.333/.459 in his young career with 39 doubles and 17 home runs to go along with 3.7 fWAR. He has been fantastic against right-handed pitching in his career with a .495 slugging percentage and an .842 OPS.

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Podcast Ep #335: Outside Looking In

With the postseason well underway, Ian and Chris H. discussed what we can learn from the clubs participating in the playoffs about what it will take for the Red Sox to rebuild into a contender. Plus, the guys looked at the responses to the recent poll conducted by our friend RedSoxStats - unspoken, but of course sponsored by Chico's Bail Bonds - and as always, your emails!

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2024 SoxProspects.com All-Stars: Pitchers

Following up on Monday's position player All-Stars, today brings the SoxProspects.com 2024 All-Star pitchers. Three players return from last year's list, joined by three 2023 draftees and a 2023 international signing. The Red Sox signed 15 pitchers as part of their 2024 draft class, which could make this list look significantly different come next year.

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Starting Pitcher: Juan Valera

Valera only threw 63 1/3 innings this season, but he was arguably the most dominant starting pitcher in the system when he was on the mound. He turned 18 in May and was stateside for the first time after signing for $45,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2023. He breezed through the FCL, where he was named a Florida Complex League All-Star with an ERA of 1.79 and a WHIP of 0.77 over 40 1/3 innings. He retired 27 batters in a row over his final two starts in the FCL and made his Salem debut on July 25. He opened with 12 scoreless innings over his first three starts there and finished with a 2.35 ERA over 23 innings. On the season, he walked 28 and struck out 68. Ranked 24th in the system, Valera has a ton of upside but also comes with a lot of risk inherent with young pitching prospects. He has a long way to go in his development, but the 6-foot-3 right-hander checks several boxes with his impressive fastball and a high-spin breaking ball. 

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2024 SoxProspects.com All-Stars: Position Players

Welcome to the 2024 SoxProspects.com Awards week! Over the next five days, we will present our annual awards on the news page, recognizing the standout performers from the season. Following the format we've used the last few years, the schedule will be as follows:

Monday: All-Star position players

Tuesday: All-Star pitchers

Wednesday: Graduate of the Year; Homegrown Player of the Year; Ex-Prospect of the Year

Thursday: Rookie of the Year; Breakout Player of the Year; Comeback Player of the Year

Friday: Player of the Year; Pitcher of the Year

We kick things off with the All-Star position players as selected by the SoxProspects.com staff. While we consider factors such as age advancement and opponent quality, these awards recognize the players' in-game performances rather than a commentary on any status as a prospect. The All-Star team features a wide range, from each of top five ranked position players (excepting Brandon Montgomery, injured during the college season before being selected by the Red Sox in the first round), to a 17-year-old who dominated the Dominican Summer League, to a selection from the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. 

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Catcher: Kyle Teel

Despite having just completed his first full professional season, 2024 marks Teel's second selection as a SoxProspects.com All-Star. The 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Virginia followed up his incredible pro debut with a full season that was arguably even more impressive. After finishing 2023 with Portland, Teel rejoined the Sea Dogs out of spring training. There he hit .299/.390/.462 with 20 doubles and 11 homers in 84 games, all while showing growth behind the plate. He initially struggled after a mid-August promotion to Worcester, slumping to 6 for 51 (.118) with just one extra-base hit, but an adjustment brought a strong September finish. In his final 14 games, the 22-year-old hit .375/.516/.542 with 14 walks against nine strikeouts. He is the first of several names to appear on this list likely to reach the majors in 2025. 

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Podcast Ep #334: 2024 Season in Review, Pitchers

Ian and Mike reconvened for part two of the season in review, this time to recap the minor league season on the pitching side of the farm. After discussing the overall state of pitching in the system and a discussion about when is the right time to commit to a pitcher as a starter or reliever the guys went through all the top 30 arms and recounted noteworthy storylines from the season that was. Plus, we got a bit of news, as the Red Sox announced their minor league end of season award winners. Listen in!

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Podcast Ep. #333: 2024 Season in Review, Position Players

Ian, Chris, and Mike circled up with a three-man booth to recap the minor league season on the position player side of the farm. After discussing that it was a banner year, the guys went position-by-position through 2024, recounting noteworthy storylines from the season that was. Plus, we got a bit of news today, as the Arizona Fall League rosters were announced and the Red Sox contingent indicates a change in how the organization is treating the offseason. Listen in!

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Minor Notes: Minor league season ends for Red Sox; Anthony finishes strong

The minor league baseball season for the Sox has come to an end, as Worcester's season ended this past week. 

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Worcester season comes to a close

The WooSox had a nice run in the second half of the season with a record of 44-31, but they finished 4 1/2 games behind Columbus for the International League lead. Bobby Dalbec led the team with 20 home runs, while Eddy Alvarez led the team in RBI with 77. Out of players with at least 100 at-bats, Mickey Gasper led the way with a 1.063 OPS. Roman Anthony was second among those players with a .982 OPS. 

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Cup of Coffee: Dalbec doubles twice, McDonough homers in Worcester's season finale

9/23 Cup of Coffee: Despite taking a 4-1 lead into the ninth inning, the WooSox fell to the IronPigs in their regular season finale on Sunday. Jason Alexander tossed five scoreless frames while Bobby Dalbec (pictured) scored three of his side's four runs. Tyler McDonough took responsibility for that other run when he went deep for the first time at the Triple-A level.

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Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 7, Worcester Red Sox 4

The WooSox dropped their final game of the season in rather heartbreaking fashion. Jason Alexander got the start on the mound and pitched well, scattering three hits and one walk with three strikeouts over five scoreless innings. Cam Booser allowed one unearned run in the sixth while Bailey Horn and Zack Kelly combined for 2 1/3 scoreless frames of relief. Jose Adames then surrendered six runs (all unearned) in the ninth and took the loss after serving up a walk-off grand slam to Darick Hall.

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Cup of Coffee: Priester strikes out seven; Anthony fills up the box score

9/22 Cup of Coffee: The WooSox came out on top in the penultimate game of the minor league season for the affiliates. Roman Anthony reached base three more times, and Quinn Priester is doing all he can to earn a cup of coffee with the big league club before the season ends. 

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Worcester Red Sox 4, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 3

Roman Anthony pushed his OPS to an even 1.000 with another two-hit game. Anthony went 2 for 3 with a double and a steal out of the leadoff spot. Corey Rosier (pictured) laced his first two triples of the year, and Kyle Teel went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Quinn Priester got the start and notched 17 swinging strikes over five innings. He struck out seven and walked one over five innings of two-run ball. The win went to Chase Shugart who tossed a scoreless sixth inning, and Yohan Ramírez earned the save as he struck out five over the final two frames. 

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Podcast Episode #332: Talking about what you want to hear about

Ian is joined by Chris Clegg to clear out the email mailbag. They answer questions about minor league park factors, offseason trades, the outlook for the Garcia brothers’ heading into 2025, Kyle Teel’s BABIP and more!

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Cup of Coffee: Roman Anthony walks four times in win

9/21 Cup of Coffee: The Red Sox were able to get their first win on Friday after being eliminated from playoff contention.

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Worcester Red Sox 4, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 1

Worcester got a run in the top of the first and got two more in the fourth as the pitching staff shut down the Lehigh Valley offense. Alex Binelas had three hits, including a two-run home run in the fourth, and delivered a trio of RBI, while Roman Anthony was issued four free passes. The run went on Justin Hagenman's tab, who pitched the first four innings. He allowed five hits and walked another while striking out a trio of IronPigs. Brian Van Belle followed with three innings of one-hit relief and earned the victory for his efforts. He issued two free passes and also had three punchouts. Zack Kelly had a clean eighth with a pair of strikeouts, while Jose Adames punched out the side while working around a single in the ninth.

Player of the Day: Promoted earlier in the week, Alex Binelas has had a torrid start to his Triple-A career, going 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBI in his first game one step away from the major leagues. The Louisville product showed off his raw power and will need to keep showing he can make consistent contact to get the call to the show.

Photo Credit: Alex Binelas by Kelly O'Connor

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Cup of Coffee: Anthony, WooSox keep working hard in Allentown

9/20 Cup of Coffee: Eliminated from the playoff hunt on Wednesday, the WooSox managed just three hits as they begin to play out the string. 

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 6, Worcester Red Sox 3

Well they're waiting here in Allentown

Just to close the season down

All those Worcester men, they're killing time

Nary getting down that first base line

Our fathers fight to hold third place

Alas a shutout dooms them at the Trop

Yet Roman Anthony with a hit and walk

Brings the promise of a prospect, top

Well they're waiting here in Allentown

For that roster spot they've rarely found

Dalbec doubled, McGuire as well

Worked hard to ring that big league recall bell

So the graduations hang on the wall

On the SoxProspects banner read by all

Taught you Devers' power was for real

Ceddanne's glove, Wilyer's arm, Jarren's steal.

Every signing's got a pretty good shot

Five shutout innings Brad Keller fought

But something happened in the last of the sixth

Four unearned runs left his stat line unfixed

Well I'm living here in Allentown

And it's hard to keep a good man down

But I won't be moving up today

Player of the Day: Despite not having a homer on the month, it has been an incredibly impressive September for Roman Anthony. Baseball America's newest top overall prospect in the game had a single and a walk and has now reached base in all 15 games during the month on his way to a .368/.486/.474 line.

Photo Credit: Roman Anthony by Kelly O'Connor

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Cup of Coffee: Despite Dobbins' strong start, Worcester eliminated from playoff hunt

9/19 Cup of Coffee: Worcester's playoff hopes were dashed by Lehigh Valley on Wednesday night. Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel were both productive at the plate but more was needed. On the mound, Hunter Dobbins (pictured) ended his season on a strong note by putting together his best performance since joining the WooSox last month.

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Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 4, Worcester Red Sox 3

The WooSox fell in walk-off fashion after conceding three runs in the ninth inning. Hunter Dobbins tossed five scoreless frames in his final start of the season. The righty allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out six. Chase Shugart surrendered one run (on a solo homer) over two innings of relief before Jose Adames put up a zero in the eighth. Yohan Ramirez then gave up three unearned runs in the ninth, including the winning run on a passed ball to seal the victory for the IronPigs.

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Cup of Coffee: Anthony, Teel lead Worcester to 14-9 win

9/18 Cup of Coffee: Worcester's bats were hot in the Lehigh Valley last night with 14 runs on 12 hits. Top prospects Roman Anthony (pictured) and Kyle Teel led the charge offensively, while Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia made rehab assignments on the mound. 

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Worcester Red Sox 14, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 9

The Sox got off to a very fast start and did not look back. Roman Anthony walked to start the game, then Chase Meidroth and Mickey Gasper followed with singles. Kyle Teel was next with a two-run double to left field. Anthony would go on to add three singles, two RBI, and another run scored. Teel and Gasper each added singles as well. Bobby Dalbec and Jamie Westbrook were each 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Jason Alexander started and allowed five runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings, but it was enough to pick up the win. He struck out three and only walked one. Luis Garcia and Lucas Sims each began rehab assignments in this one and each tossed a scoreless frame. Neither walked a batter and Sims punched out a pair. Wyatt Olds finished it off with no earned runs allowed in the ninth inning to go along with two strikeouts. 

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Minor Notes: Anthony is MLB’s new No. 1 prospect per BA; Penrod makes MLB debut

With the playoff hopes of the MLB and Triple-A teams dwindling, there are likely less than two weeks left of the baseball season for Red Sox fans. Portland came up just short of a playoff spot, as Worcester is now the lone active affiliate. Even with limited playoff activity, the future looks bright for Boston as they are well-represented on the national prospect lists. 

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Anthony is Baseball America's new top prospect

With the graduation of Junior Caminero, Roman Anthony (pictured) is now the top prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America (BA). He is the first Red Sox player to be considered the game's top prospect since Andrew Benintendi in 2017. Three other WooSox teammates joined Anthony in the top 25, with Marcelo Mayer (10), Kristian Campbell (24), and Kyle Teel (25) all ranking highly. 

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Cup of Coffee: Meidroth wins it for Worcester with walk-off walk; Portland's season ends

9/16 Cup of Coffee: Both Worcester and Portland played their final home games of the 2024 regular season on Sunday. Roman Anthony reached base three times while Chase Meidroth drew a walk-off walk as part of an exciting afternoon for the WooSox at Polar Park. Despite getting six scoreless innings from Caleb Bolden, the Sea Dogs were shut out at Hadlock Field and were subsequently eliminated from playoff contention.

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Worcester Red Sox 4, Syracuse Mets (NYM) 3

A four-run ninth inning propelled the WooSox to a come-from-behind win in their final home game of the regular season. Vaughn Grissom and Corey Rosier each went 2 for 4, with the former scoring one run and the latter driving in another. Leadoff man Roman Anthony reached base three times, going 1 for 3 with a game-tying RBI single and two walks. Chase Meidroth came up empty in his first four trips to the plate before drawing a bases-loaded walk-off walk with one out in the bottom of the ninth.

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Cup of Coffee: Coffey strikes out 10 as Portland stays alive

9/15 Cup of Coffee: Worcester saw its playoff chances continue slipping away as the final week of the Triple-A season approaches. Portland is preparing for its final game of the regular season, and they need to win and get some help to make the playoffs. 

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Syracuse Mets (NYM) 19, Worcester Red Sox 3

The WooSox led this game into the seventh, but Syracuse scored 17 times over the last three innings. Justin Hagenman turned in a quality start, firing six innings of two-run ball with six strikeouts. The Worcester bullpen took its lumps from there, with infielder Tyler Miller giving up four runs in the ninth. Kyle Teel reached base in all five plate appearances as he went 2 for 2 with three walks, and Mickey Gasper went 3 for 5 with a double. 

With the loss, the WooSox fell to 4.5 games behind Columbus in the second-half standings. 

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Cup of Coffee: 10-run inning sinks Worcester; 2 extra-base hits for Binelas

9/14 Cup of Coffee: Outside of one inning, it was a solid day for Portland and Worcester as they pursue playoff spots. The problem is the bad frame was one of the worst of the season for the Red Sox, as they allowed 10 runs in the seventh inning to Syracuse, turning a 1-0 ballgame into a laugher as they chase both Columbus and Indianapolis to secure a spot in the International League Championship Series. Portland was much more successful against its Mets affiliate, scoring six runs early and holding off a comeback bid late. Five Sea Dogs had multiple hits, including Alex Binelas (pictured) as he knocked a double and home run as part of a three-RBI day.

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Syracuse Mets (NYM) 11, Worcester Red Sox 0

The score in Worcester was 1-0 after six innings. By the time the seventh-inning stretch came around, Syracuse was up 11-0 after a 10-run frame as Worcester pitching lost the zone, walking six and hitting two more Mets. It wasted a good start by Brad Keller, who allowed one run over six innings of work, which came on a solo home run in the first. He surrendered just three hits and walked one more with five strikeouts.

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Cup of Coffee: Dobbins sharp on mound, Anthony reaches base four times

9/13 Cup of Coffee: The two remaining affiliates split their Thursday contests as both remain in second place in their respective divisions. A solid effort by Hunter Dobbins (pictured) and continued excellence at the plate by Roman Anthony led streaking Worcester to another victory. Little went right in Portland, however, as the Sea Dogs managed only two hits, squandering an opportunity to move back into first place.

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Worcester Red Sox 8, Syracuse Mets (NYM) 1

The WooSox won their sixth straight and 10th out of 11 as they continued their playoff push with a rout of the Mets. Hunter Dobbins was excellent in picking up his first Triple-A win, allowing one run on six hits across six innings. He struck out five against one walk, and the lone score came on a rare fifth-inning solo homer. Jose Adames made his return to the Red Sox organization with a scoreless seventh inning. Adames pitched in 35 games with Portland and Worcester in 2021, then spent 2022 with the Dodgers organization and most of the last two seasons in the Mexican League. Wyatt Olds and Chase Shugart went an inning apiece to close out the win.

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Cup of Coffee: Alexander strikes out 11, Grissom homers twice as Worcester stays hot

9/12 Cup of Coffee: Behind strong performances on the mound from Jason Alexander (pictured) and at the plate from Vaughn Grissom, Worcester stayed hot with another win over Syracuse on Wednesday. Portland, meanwhile, dropped its second straight to Binghamton as Blake Wehunt had a rough time in his first start at Hadlock Field.

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Worcester Red Sox 7, Syracuse Mets (NYM) 0

Jason Alexander put together one of the best starts of his professional career for Worcester on Wednesday night. The veteran righty allowed two hits and zero walks while striking out 11 of the 22 batters he faced over seven scoreless innings. He threw 82 pitches (59 strikes), eliciting 16 swings-and-misses en route to notching the winning decision. Zach Penrod and Alex Speas combined for three more strikeouts across two scoreless frames of relief to end it.

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Cup of Coffee: Priester strikes out seven; Teel goes deep

9/11 Cup of Coffee: The WooSox grabbed two wins and inched closer to the top of the International League standings, led by Kristian Campbell, Kyle Teel, Roman Anthony, and Quinn Priester. The Sea Dogs dropped a tough one, but got a great outing from Wikelman Gonzalez (pictured). 

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Worcester Red Sox 11, Syracuse Mets (NYM) 4 (Game One)

The Sox took care of business in a completion of a suspended game from August 11th. They were down 4-2 in the fifth inning when the game was paused due to rain. After resumption, Worcester grabbed two runs in the fifth to tie it, one in the seventh, and six in the ninth. Kristian Campbell, who was inserted into the game because he wasn't on the team when this game began, went 2 for 2 with a walk and a game-tying two-run single in the fifth. So, technically, that was his first hit as a member of the WooSox. Tyler McDonough finished 3 for 5 with two RBI, while Tyler Heineman and Jamie Westbrook each went 1 for 3 with two RBI. Heineman and McDonough each roped doubles as well. Before the game was paused, Bobby Dalbec belted a two-run homer.

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Podcast Episode #331: Rankings Talk with BA’s Geoff Pontes

Ian is back to talk about September rankings with special guest Geoff Pontes of Baseball America! Ian and Geoff start out by talking about Roman Anthony’s ascension to the top of the BA Top 100, Kristian Campbell’s rise, concerns they have with Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel’s outlook. They also discuss how strong the top 100 is right now and discuss where the Red Sox prospects stack up against others on the BA list. They conclude part one by talking about a few players Geoff saw in Portland recently including Mikey Romero and David Sandlin. After Geoff leaves, Ian stays on to briefly talk about the Red Sox recent moves, including the call-ups of Richard Fitts and Luis Guerrero. Finally, he goes through the new SoxProspect Rankings and discusses the notable risers and fallers and why those moves were made.

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Minor Notes: Fitts and Guerrero make big-league debuts; Story returns

The Red Sox have won three of their last four but are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the American League Wild Card race. On the minor-league front, Worcester and Portland are in the mix for playoff spots while Greenville and Salem wrapped things up for the year on Sunday. Here is a rundown of key events that have transpired within the organization over the last week.

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Fitts, Guerrero make MLB debuts

Right-handers Richard Fitts (pictured) and Luis Guerrero made their major-league debuts in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the White Sox at Fenway Park. Fitts got the starting nod and allowed two unearned runs on six hits, one walk, and two strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. He threw 66 pitches (44 strikes) and induced five swings-and-misses. Guerrero took over for Zack Kelly with one out in the top of the ninth inning and retired the only two batters he faced on a pair of flyouts. He needed just eight pitches (five strikes) to do so.

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