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Boston Red Sox Top Prospect Off to Hot Start in Portland
TL;DR
Boston Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias is off to a strong start in Double-A Portland. The Red Sox farm system has dropped to 14th, lacking high-end position player prospects after several graduations and trades.
Key points
- Franklin Arias is the top-ranked hitter in the Red Sox farm system.
- The Red Sox farm system fell to 14th place ahead of the 2026 season.
- Arias is currently playing in Double-A Portland.
- The system lacks high-end position player prospects after several graduations and trades.
- Arias is noted for his high baseball IQ and desire to improve.
Mentioned in this story
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Boston Red Sox Top Prospect Off to Hot Start in Portland
After entering the 2025 season with the third-best farm system in the sport, according to MLB Pipeline, the Boston Red Sox farm system took a big hit ahead of the 2026 season, falling to 14th.
The Boston system is chock-full of intriguing arms, but thanks to the graduations of Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell, as well as the trade that sent Jhostynxon Garcia to Pittsburgh, there is a lack of high-end position player prospects in the system.
The top-ranked hitter and second overall prospect in the system is 20-year-old shortstop Franklin Arias, who ranks No. 46 on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list. Currently in Double-A Portland, Arias is, according to SoxProspects.com, a "Potential everyday regular at shortstop. Ceiling of a quality regular who provides value with his glove and contact ability. Hit tool is a standout tool, but a lack of power and speed limits its upside. Defensive profile provides him a solid floor. High baseball IQ; actively seeks to learn more and improve. Needs to get stronger and continue to physically mature to reach his potential."
Arias is doing everything he can to dispel the notion that he's a glove-first player to start the 2026 season. Through Portland's first 14 games of the campaign, Arias is slashing .467/.564/.833 (10 games). His OPS of 1.397 leads the Eastern League and ranks second across all of Double-A.
Q&A
Who is the top prospect for the Boston Red Sox in 2025?
The top prospect for the Boston Red Sox in 2025 is Franklin Arias, a 20-year-old shortstop.
What is Franklin Arias's ranking among MLB prospects?
Franklin Arias is ranked No. 46 on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list.
Why did the Boston Red Sox farm system drop to 14th place?
The Boston Red Sox farm system dropped to 14th due to the graduations of key prospects and a trade that weakened their position player depth.
What are Franklin Arias's strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Franklin Arias has a standout hit tool and a solid defensive profile, but his lack of power and speed limits his upside.
