Help is on the way
The Boston Red Sox are ready for the top talent of a fully developed stock of position players in the farm system to contribute in 2025. That’s after another massive year of growth with several positive developments from Red Sox prospects in 2024.
While the top affiliates did not play postseason baseball in the Red Sox farm system, the development of elite talent far outweighs the few extra weeks for minor-league play.
On a monthly basis during the 2024 season, NESN.com covered the notable storylines throughout the farm system.
With the season complete, here’s what we learned in the Red Sox farm system in 2024.
1. These Two Prospects Must Start 2025 On Red Sox Roster
The Red Sox based their future on the “Big Three” group of Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel. All thee earned promotions to Triple-A Worcester in August and Kristian Campbell, Boston’s 2023 fourth-round pick, joined them after a meteoric rise from High-A Greenville.
All four should impact the big-league club in 2025, but Anthony and Campbell must start the season on the Opening Day roster for the Red Sox.
Anthony mashed his way through the summer with a power surge across every ballpark he played in. He’s ready to take a corner outfield spot for the Red Sox. For Campbell, his role as a versatile, impact right-handed bat gives Boston everything it needs in a player and can finally lock down second base as the best full-time option there since Dustin Pedroia.
2. Another Depth Starter Is On The Rise
Richard Fitts headlined the Red Sox return from the New York Yankees in the Alex Verdugo trade. He pitched well in Triple-A and eventually found himself stepping in for spot starts with the Red Sox.
Fitts posted a 1.74 ERA across four starts for the Red Sox in 2024 and should factor into the pitching equation, at the very least as a spot starter again in 2025.
Another similar role could be in store for Hunter Dobbins. The 2021 draft pick took another step forward with an improved horizontal attack with his breaking pitches and improved velocity on his fastball.
Dobbins exclusively discussed his development with NESN.com in July and his next steps in the organization in September.
3. Keep An Eye On These Talents To Strengthen Next Tier
Just because the top four prospects of Mayer, Anthony, Teel and Campbell are likely to graduate in 2025, the farm system is far from drained.
Players such as Jhostynxon Garcia, Mikey Romero, Franklin Arias and Chase Meidroth offer another decent core of position players with intriguing tools. Luis Perales will eventually make his way back from Tommy John surgery on the pitching side as arguably the system’s most exciting arm.
The top talent will be wiith Boston, but the organization should be encouraged on what remains to develop in the minor leagues.