Continuing the prospect evaluation in the American League East, today I will review the top prospects in the Boston Red Sox farm system. Reminder: FV refers to a player’s “Future Value”, which on a 20-80 scale, 50 is average, 80 is considered elite, and 20 is considered a replacement-level player.
Jeter Downs, 2B/SS: One of the prized assets the Red Sox got back in the Mookie Betts trade, Downs is a projected starter up the middle for the Red Sox in the near future. His calling card is his hit tool, which projects to be above average at the big-league level. A deceptive athlete, Downs steals more bases than would be expected for someone with his average speed. The Dodgers tried him at Shortstop for parts of the 2019 season, but there remains skepticism as to whether he can stick here full time. His arm is playable at Short, but talent evaluators expect his limited range to push him to Second Base long-term. FV=55
Triston Casas, 1B: The Red Sox First Round pick in the 2018 draft, Casas projects as a potential middle-of-the order power bat that the Red Sox have lacked since David Ortiz. Listed at 6’4 and 240 pounds, his limited athleticism has him in line at First Base. However, he grew up pitching and playing thirds base, so scouts are bullish on his ability to develop into an above average first basement, buoyed by his plus arm. His real strength is his power, which projects to be plus plus down the road. He has some of the top raw power in all of the minor leagues, and some are optimistic that the hit tool could eventually become above average as well. His 2018 was lost due to injury, so we will anxiously wait and see if he can follow up on his breakout 2019. FV=55
Bryan Mata, RHP: Signed out of Venezuela in 2015, Mata has been fast-tracked through the minors over the past few years, making his Double-A debut in 2019. Lauded for a two-seam fastball that has touched 99 and sits at 95-97, Mata has worked hard to develop a secondary pitch. He saw increased success with a power slider in the mid 80’s in 2019, and he has a changeup that he throws primarily to lefties. One of the biggest questions surrounding Mata is if he can improve his control, as he had one of the highest walk rates amongst all minor leaguers in 2018. Back injuries likely contributed to this struggle, but he projects as a special arm if he can continue making strides in his control. FV=50
Bobby Dalbec, 3B: Drafted in the Fourth Round of the 2016 Draft out of Arizona, Dalbec has had as much variance in performance as anyone in the Red Sox system. He was viewed as a poor man version of Kris Bryant going into his Junior Year at Arizona, but disappointed greatly. Slipping to the fourth round, the Red Sox have tried to let him harness his raw power, while also cutting down on his strikeouts. He projects as having plus power, but his below average hit tool and limited athleticism keep him at a lower ceiling than others in this category. His arm has received a 65 grade from scouts, so he can at least start his career at the hot corner before potentially shifting to a corner outfield position down the road. FV=45
Gilberto Jimenez, CF: One of my personal favorite prospects in the minor leagues, Jimenez is a blazing fast, power-lacking Center Field prospect. His speed is graded between 75 and 80, and he projects to steal a lot of bases after his technique becomes more refined. He has a plus arm in center field, and his speed contribute to him potentially being a plus defender here for a long time. He won the Short Season A league batting title this past season, and his slap swing from each side of the plate is slightly reminiscent of Ichiro Suzuki’s approach. He has little power to speak of at the moment, however, his 5’11 frame indicates that he may have some room to add additional muscle, which could correspond to a greater power output down the road. FV=45
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