BOSTON — Manuel Margot has risen to Red Sox prospect prominence.
Margot, who was named the Red Sox’s 2014 Minor League Baserunner of the Year, currently ranks third in SoxProspect.com’s prospect rankings, trailing only catcher Blake Swihart and left-handed pitcher Henry Owens. The 20-year-old outfielder made tremendous strides in 2014 while striving to emulate a major league All-Star.
Margot stopped by Fenway Park on Saturday along with Boston’s other minor league award winners. He reflected on his successful season, which involved a promotion from Single-A Greenville to High-A Salem, and revealed he admires Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones.
Margot said he models his game after Jones because the four-time All-Star is a five-tool player who’s capable of doing anything on the diamond. Margot, while still raw, features some similar qualities, making him an intriguing prospect within the Red Sox’s well-stocked farm system.
Obviously, Margot has a ways to go before he even sniffs Jones’ level. The young outfielder has shown plenty of promise since signing as an international free agent in 2011, though, and his unique skill set could enable him to become a top-of-the-order presence in Boston a few years from now.
Margot hit .286 with 10 homers, 45 RBIs, 39 stolen bases and an .803 OPS in 99 games with Greenville this season. He continued his success upon joining Salem, hitting .340 with two homers, 14 RBIs, three stolen bases and a .924 OPS in 16 games.
“It was definitely unexpected,” Margot said through a translator of his Aug. 15 promotion. “It was hard work in Greenville paying off and I just wanted to finish off strong this season. It was unexpected, but I’m really happy about it.”
Margot’s biggest asset is his speed, though his offense seems to be developing nicely. SoxProspects.com projects the Dominican Republic native could break into the majors around 2017 if he remains on his current trajectory.
Photo via Twitter/@sittingstillsox
