Red Sox Trio Shines As Top Minor League Performers In May

The Boston Red Sox farm system just keeps flexing.

Blaze Jordan, Franklin Arias and Freili Encarnacion each earned Minor League Player of the Month honors in May, adding to the already loud buzz around Boston’s next wave of young talent.

With Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer already in the big leagues, and Roman Anthony presumably not far behind, the trio is giving the organization added depth and fans all new reasons to be excited about the club’s minor league ranks.

Jordan, a 2020 third-round selection, rebounded from a rocky April by torching Eastern League pitching in May. Over 26 games, the corner infielder slashed .390/.490/.671, hitting six home runs and driving in 24. He walked 14 times while striking out just 11, prompting a promotion to Triple-A Worcester.

“Jordan’s performance (has) re-energized conversation about his presence as a prospect in the organization,” Talk Sox’s Nick John wrote.

With first and third base somewhat unsettled in Boston, Jordan could soon push the conversation at the major league level.

Arias, 19, has emerged as a fast riser in the system after beginning the year in Salem. Now with Greenville, the former international signee slashed .404/.438/.576 in 23 May games, collecting nine doubles, two home runs and 19 RBI. Known more for his glove when he signed, Arias has begun turning heads with the bat, striking out just seven times during the stretch.

Among South Atlantic League players with 20-plus games in May, Arias led the league in average, hits, doubles and OPS. He placed third in slugging and RBI and fifth in OBP.

“He looks to be a future star in the making,” John noted, as calls grow for a promotion to Portland.

Encarnacion’s seven home runs, seven doubles and 15 RBI in May for Salem earned him a promotion to Greenville on June 3. The young trio’s big month is further proof that Boston’s minor league system isn’t slowing down any time soon.