There’s a new top prospect in Boston.
Baseball America released its team prospect rankings Wednesday, and Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi usurped third baseman Yoan Moncada for the No. 1 spot. However, the jump isn’t all that surprising.
Although Benintendi is only a year older than Moncada, he proved in 2016 that he’s more than ready for the big leagues, while Moncada struggled in his call-up. The 21-year-old Cuba native still has the potential to be a major league star, perhaps even bigger than Benintendi, but striking out in 12 of his 19 at-bats in September was enough for the Red Sox to see that Moncada wasn’t prepared for the promotion from Double-A Portland.
Jumping from the Sea Dogs didn’t faze Benintendi, though, as the 22-year-old batted .295 with 11 doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs and 16 runs in 34 games with the Red Sox. He has a beautiful swing for a player his age, and he already flashed his above-average outfield skills at times.
Moncada used to be the top prospect in all of baseball, so it’s possible Benintendi took that spot, too.
Here are the Red Sox’s top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America.
1. Andrew Benintendi, OF
2. Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B
3. Rafael Devers, 3B
4. Michael Kopech, RHP
5. Jason Groome, LHP
6. Sam Travis, 1B
7. Mauricio Dubon, SS
8. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF
9. Bobby Dalbec, 3B
10. Roniel Raudes, RHP
Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
