The Crimson Sox have accomplished an admirable job of cultivating their farm system lately, giving the group each high-potential prospects and burgeoning minor-league depth that would pay dividends as Boston appears to be like to construct a sustainable contender.
Some prospects are nearer to the majors than others, although, and alternative would possibly quickly knock for just a few up-and-coming farmhands. In spite of everything, whereas there was a ton of turnover on the Crimson Sox’s roster this offseason, there are just a few areas the place Boston may need further reinforcements.
Listed here are seven Crimson Sox prospects who may debut within the majors with Boston in 2023.
Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/SS
Rafaela, the group’s No. 4 prospect on SoxProspects.com, is a captivating participant whose inventory soared in 2022 because of a breakout marketing campaign break up between Excessive-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. The 22-year-old is a flexible defender able to enjoying plus protection at a number of positions, together with heart area and shortstop, and his offensive strides final season actually raised his ceiling. Additional enchancment to his plate self-discipline and strategy within the batter’s field may put Rafaela on an All-Star trajectory, however he’s however somebody who possible will debut with Boston this season and instantly present pace, athleticism and wonderful glove work.
Enmanuel Valdez, 2B/3B/LF
The Crimson Sox acquired Valdez from the Houston Astros in final season’s Christian Vázquez commerce, and whereas there are questions on his defensive profile, few considerations exist about his means to hit. The 24-year-old controls the strike zone nicely and boasts extra energy than you’d anticipate from his stocky, 5-foot-8 body, evident by the 28 dwelling runs and .918 OPS he posted final season in 126 video games (572 plate appearances) break up between Double-A and Triple-A. Valdez will start 2023 at Triple-A Worcester, however he’ll in all probability be referred to as upon to supply infield depth in Boston sooner or later this season.
Wilyer Abreu, OF
Talking of the Vázquez commerce, the Crimson Sox additionally acquired Abreu, a left-handed-hitting outfielder with a eager eye for the strike zone, evident by the 114 walks he drew final season in 579 Double-A plate appearances. Abreu, 23, in all probability received’t be the primary reserve outfielder referred to as upon in 2023, particularly after struggling a hamstring harm in spring coaching, however he’s on the Crimson Sox’s 40-man roster, thereby eliminating one potential hurdle in him incomes a midseason call-up. Abreu might be a stable depth piece.
David Hamilton, 2B/SS
Hamilton, acquired within the December 2021 Hunter Renfroe-Jackie Bradley Jr. commerce, swiped 70 bases for Double-A Portland in 2022, a talent that would grow to be much more beneficial in 2023 primarily based on MLB’s new rule modifications. Will the 25-year-old hit sufficient to stay within the majors? That’s to be decided. However Hamilton’s pace alone makes him a possible asset on the highest degree, particularly as Boston appears to be like to beat the losses of Xander Bogaerts (free company) and Trevor Story (elbow harm) in the course of its infield. Hamilton is also on the Crimson Sox’s 40-man roster.