Ranking Boston Red Sox Leading Prospects 2023: Marcelo Mayer leads list

Everyone is considering the future now that Major League Baseball’s winter is well underway. In the majority of cities, that refers to the upcoming season; but, in some, it refers to the longer term, or the subsequent three to five years. The old expression goes, “You’re either selling victory or you’re selling hope.” We’re here to assess each team’s farm system in an effort to offer as much hope as we can during this time of year. Let’s understand MLB’s ranking with respect to the leading prospects for Red Sox 2023.

Ranking Boston Red Sox Leading Prospects 2023: Marcelo Mayer leads the list

1. Marcelo Mayer, SS, No. 9 on top 20 list (2023 seasonal age: 20)
Mayer, who was considered to be the finest prospect in the class going into the 2021 draught by CBS Sports, fell to the Red Sox at pick No. 4. When he hit.280/.399/.489 with 13 home runs and 17 steals over two levels in 2022, while being many years younger than his average opponent, it appeared to be a blessing for Boston both then and now. He is a solid hitter with the potential to add more power as he gets older. He is also a quality fielder with fluid motions and a good arm. Mayer’s speed is the only tool that is expected to be below-average. It is obvious that won’t stop him.

2. Triston Casas, 1B (2023 seasonal age: 23)
Casas, a first-round selection by Boston in 2018, made his big-league debut last year, positioning him to leave the ranks of prospects this spring. He had five home runs and a.197/.358/.408 (113 OPS+) batting line in 95 major league plate appearances. Since his idealised version would contribute average, on-base, and slugging, the literature on him remains largely unchanged. During his time in the major leagues, Casas displayed part of his multifaceted personality. His 30-homer pace demonstrates his above-average raw strength, and thanks to his disciplined approach, he only chased 17% of pitches that were thrown to him outside of the strike zone. Although Casas will strike out occasionally due to his willingness to work deep counts and his league-average swing-and-miss rate, there is minimal chance of him walking.

3. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/SS Seasonal age in 2023: 22
Rafaela became one of the Red Sox organization’s most fascinating prospects during the 2022 season. Despite having started out as an infielder (and still engaging in cross-training on the dirt), he has developed into one of the better defensive outfielders in the minors over the past several seasons because to his good speed and positional sense. In 116 games divided between High- and Double-A, Rafaela had a breakout season at the plate last year, batting.299/.343/.539 with 21 home runs and 28 stolen bases. He has regularly shown the ability to barrel balls, and despite the fact that he rarely walks, he delivers more juice than you might expect given his short, slender build (5′ 8″ according to MLB).

4. Nick Yorke, 2B, 20
Yorke’s 2022 season was obviously impacted by health. For the offensively oriented infielder, however, there is still a lot of enthusiasm. A healthy Yorke can have an impact on the ball, as we witnessed in the Arizona Fall League. Although there is bat pressure and little defensive influence, Yorke is a potential for a comeback in 2023 as he rises through the high minors.

5. Bryan Mata, RHP, 23, Triple-A
Following Brayan Bello’s graduation, Mata pitched at four levels in 2022, making him the top ceiling arm in the system. Through 18 starts, he tossed 83 IP while giving up just 60 hits, 46 walks, and 105 strikeouts. As someone who is already on the 40-man roster, Mata should be able to add high leverage innings to the MLB staff this year.

6. Miguel Bleis, OF, 18, Rookie (FCL)
Bleis is at or near the top of the system in terms of highest ceiling prospects and currently possesses the skill set necessary to become a star. While he should perform well in Single-A, it would be wise to wait until he has advanced to the full season level before predicting his entry into the Tier 1 group. Bleis has an uncommon combination of power, speed, and defensive ability for a centerfielder. Many scouts believed that Bleis was the FCL’s top batter. By the middle of 2023, Bleis may easily become one of the most anticipated prospects in the league with success at Single-A.

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7. Brandon Walter, LHP, 26, Triple- A
If an injury hadn’t occurred, Walter’s MLB debut would have most likely occurred in 2021. The 6’2″ 200 lb. lefty was Boston’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2021 and had a great 2022 throwing between AA and AAA before becoming injured and unable to start after June 8th. His MiLB career WHIP is less than 1.00, and he has a 12.3 K/9 ratio. Expect him to make a contribution of some kind to MLB this upcoming season.

8. Roman Anthony, OF, 18, Single-A
The draught class’s biggest bonus was earned by the 79th overall pick in 2022. Anthony instantly leaps to the top group of outfield prospects given the need for outfielders in the system. Anthony possesses strong raw power, quickness on the bases and in the field, and outstanding defensive ability in all three OF positions. Anthony had a very strong 20 game rookie season in the FCL and Single-A Salem for a power hitter out of high school. He had a performance of 9 BB to 8 K in 83 PA, which is encouraging for a power hitter in his early stages of growth.

9. Mikey Romero, SS, 18, Single-A
The 24th overall choice by the Red Sox in the first round of 2022 boasts an excellent ability to make contact on all fields. At only 18 years old, he reached Single-A, demonstrating that he can hold his own with the bat even though the power should grow with time. Romero strengthens the system’s already strong middle infield depth by adding ceiling and floor thanks to his sure hands in the field.

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10. Enmanuel Valdez, 2B, 24, Triple-A
The return of Valdez and Wilyer Abreu is a surprisingly decent package from the Astros, even though the authors of this piece were not great fans of the Christian Vazquez trade deadline deal last year. While Valdez ranks here at Tier 3 and had a solid 2022 at the plate, Abreu is graded lower in Tier 4. Between Double-A Corpus Christi (HOU), Portland, and Worcester, the infield prospect recorded 28 HR and 107 RBI. However, that is not going to happen. There was some social media conjecture that he might take over at SS in Boston in 2023. Look for him to play a nice utility position for the Sox as he has more experience playing 2B and 3B in the minors.

 

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