{"id":32907,"date":"2025-03-14T02:25:38","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T02:25:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=32907"},"modified":"2025-03-14T02:25:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T02:25:38","slug":"this-legitimate-red-sox-prospect-could-be-bostons-next-hidden-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=32907","title":{"rendered":"This \u2018Legitimate\u2019 Red Sox Prospect Could Be Boston\u2019s Next \u2018Hidden Gem\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before the start of the 2025 season, NESN.com is evaluating\u00a0several noteworthy prospects\u00a0in the Boston Red Sox organization, using insight and analysis from industry experts to gauge each player\u2019s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Next up: Franklin Arias.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Red Sox have a revamped farm system centered around Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell.<\/p>\n

Those three were locks to land on top-100 prospect lists entering 2025, but another Red Sox prospect\u00a0made a surprising debut\u00a0on some lists: Franklin Arias.<\/p>\n

The Venezuelan infielder got his first true look at his future in the system last season. He didn\u2019t disappoint, with all-around ability to grow with during the early stages of his professional career for the Red Sox.<\/p>\n

The 19-year-old just finished his first season in affiliated ball, with most of that time spent at Low-A Salem. His stock will be intriguing to watch in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"Boston<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s how Arias got here.<\/p>\n

Background<\/strong>
\nArias signed with the Red Sox as an international free agent in January 2023. He earned his first reps in the system that summer with a very strong outing in the Dominican Summer League.<\/p>\n

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He hit .350 in the DSL with an .893 OPS in a 37-game sample size. The 2024 season marked his first affiliated time, and he totaled 87 games between the Florida Complex League (FCL) and Low-A Salem. The young infielder maintained his production with a .309 batting average and an .896 OPS.<\/p>\n

The development path is still very young for Arias, but early returns signal an interesting prospect to watch in the lower levels of the Red Sox system.<\/p>\n

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Scouting Report<\/strong>
\nArias might not have a standout tool in his arsenal, but his well-rounded nature should allow for favorable development in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how three industry minds projected Arias\u2019 potential in the Red Sox system:<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue shortstop that has a glove that can play anywhere really,\u201d Red Sox senior director of player development Brian Abraham told NESN.com. \u201cSoft hands, moves really well up the middle. He\u2019s consistent over there. A guy that\u2019s going to be a plus defender in that position. A young player who continues to add good weight. He\u2019s added about 15 pounds this offseason and continues to get stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a very good fielder,\u201d SoxProspects.com director of scouting Ian Cundall told NESN.com. \u201cHe\u2019s a very slick fielder. Good contact skills. What was really surprising last year was his ability to make hard contact. Good approach and makes a ton of contact.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cReally advanced middle infielder,\u201d Baseball America\u2019s Geoff Pontes told NESN.com. \u201cReally strong bat-to-ball skills and approach overall. Good production in the Florida Complex League, where he raked. He\u2019s another guy who\u2019s a few years away \u2014 he\u2019s still pretty young \u2014 but a legitimate prospect who\u2019s a top 100-caliber guy. A testament to (the Red Sox) continuing to get some hidden gems in the international market. He\u2019s a pretty exciting player.\u201d<\/p>\n

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