Red Sox outlook update: Kyle Teel on fire, two pitchers promoted originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The long-term success of the Boston Red Sox depends on the development of their top three prospects: Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel.
One day, the trio will be used to revitalize Boston’s reputation as a perennial World Series contender. For now, they continue their development as players and teammates at Double-A Portland.
All three prospects — each ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 — are off to encouraging starts in 2024. Mayer rallied from Opening Day, Anthony found his groove and Teel caught fire in May after a slow start to the season.
They continue to give Sox fans something to look forward to, but they aren’t the only prospects worth keeping an eye on this season. See how the Red Sox’ top 10 prospects fared through May 28 (prospect rankings are through the MLB pipeline).
1. Marcelo Mayer, SS
2024 Statistics: .293/.339/.477, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 12 BB, 40 SO (43 games at Double-A Portland)
Estimated MLB Prediction: 2025
Mayer’s bounce-back season continued with a stellar May. Boston’s top prospect leads all Double-A players in doubles (17), is tied for third in runs scored (35) and fifth in hits (51).
After being troubled by a shoulder injury for most of 2023, Mayer is reminding the baseball world why he was widely considered the top overall prospect in the 2021 draft and a steal at No. 4 for Boston. At this rate, he will earn a promotion to Triple-A Worcester by the end of the season.
2. Antônio Romano, OF
2024 Statistics: .243/.365/.392, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 29 BB, 51 SO (41 games at Double-A Portland)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2025
Anthony has looked more comfortable at the plate lately after experiencing some growing pains in Double-A. The 2022 second-rounder, who turned 20 on May 13, has an .868 OPS in his birthday month.
Anthony has some serious power, especially for someone who has just entered his 20s. The hope is that in a few years he forms a scary part of the Red Sox lineup alongside sluggers Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.
3. Kyle Teel, C
2024 Statistics: .288/.394/.455, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 22 BB, 36 SO (35 games at Double-A Portland)
Estimated MLB Prediction: 2025
Teel is back to tearing coverage off the ball after a tough start to the year with the Sea Dogs. The 2023 first rounder has a .995 OPS with 17 RBI in the month of May.
Teel appears to have the best chance of making this year’s big league club among Boston’s top three prospects. He is a five-tool catcher who passed every test during his first year in the minors. If he doesn’t make it to the majors, his rise should continue with a promotion to Triple-A Worcester at the end of the season.
4. Miguel Bleis, OF
2024 Statistics: .258/.354/.407, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 20 BB, 34 SO (39 games at Low-A Salem)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2027
Bleis has once again looked like one of Boston’s most exciting prospects after missing most of 2023 with a season-ending shoulder injury. The five-tool outfielder is in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak at Low-A Salem with a .914 OPS in May.
Bleis also showed off his speed with 16 steals in 39 games. A promotion to High-A doesn’t seem too far away for the 20-year-old.
5. Wikelman Gonzalez, RHP
2024 Statistics: 31.2 IP, 3-2, 7.11 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 23 BB, 35 SO (nine games, eight starts at Double-A Portland)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2025
Gonzalez’s second season in Portland wasn’t as smooth as his first. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed 25 runs in 31.2 innings with an alarming 6.5 walks per nine for the Sea Dogs. He remains the best pitcher in Boston’s system, but if he doesn’t snap out of this funk, Luis Perales could pass him in the next MLB Pipeline update.
6.Nick Yorke, 2B
2024 Statistics: .243/.317/.351, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 16 BB, 31 SO (39 games at Double-A Portland)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2025
Yorke has settled down after a hot start to the 2024 season. The 2020 first-rounder has a .534 OPS for May after posting a .815 OPS in April. He will need to be more consistent if he wants to carve a path to The Show.
7. Yoeilin Céspedes, SS
2024 Statistics: .283/.382/.544, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 10 SO (13 games in the Florida Complex League)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2027
Cespedes’ season began on May 4 in Rookie Ball with the Florida Complex League Red Sox. The 18-year-old continues to be one of Boston’s most exciting youngsters after signing with the club as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2023.
The boy had a day!
Yoeilin Cespedes went 2-for-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in yesterday’s 4-3 FCL Red Sox victory. pic.twitter.com/W86qSP3Fe0
– Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) May 28, 2024
Céspedes is expected to experience professional football for the first time soon. When he does, you’ll want to put him on your radar. He is on track to be the organization’s top prospect when the “Big Three” form.
8. Nazan Zanetello, SS
2024 Statistics: .250/.415/.469, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 BB, 12 SO (10 games at Low-A Salem)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2028
Zanetello, who turned 19 on May 25, has missed time this season with a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury on May 3rd and returned to action on the 22nd. In limited action, Zanetello showed off his intriguing hitting tool along with his impressive speed.
9. Luis Perales, RHP
2024 Statistics: 26.1 IP, 1-2, 3.42 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 10 BB, 46 SO (seven starts at High-A Greenville)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2026
Perales was promoted to Double-A Portland last Thursday after a sensational performance for High-A Greenville. The right-hander allowed just one hit while striking out 12 batters (a career high) in five innings.
Luis Perales with the pitch of his career.
5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K
Supercut of a career-best 12K performance. pic.twitter.com/AQD2hvvydd
– Greenville Drive (@GreenvilleDrive) May 22, 2024
Perales sports a ridiculous 15.7 strikeouts per nine innings in seven starts this season. The 21-year-old could soon earn the title of Boston’s best pitcher.
10. Richard Fitts, HR
2024 Statistics: 41.1 IP, 3-1, 4.35 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 15 BB, 34 SO (nine games, eight starts at Triple-A Worcester)
MLB Estimated Prediction: 2024
Fitts has looked solid, if unspectacular, in nine games with the WooSox. The right-hander, acquired from the Yankees in the offseason trade with Alex Verdugo, could make his big league debut later this season as Boston looks for pitching reinforcements.
Disruption prospects
Zach Penrod, LHP
Penrod was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Monday after dominating Double-A. The 26-year-old posted a 2.80 ERA and 37 percent strikeout rate in seven starts. He’s not listed as one of MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Red Sox prospects, but he still deserves your attention as a potential Boston call-up later this year if he continues at this pace.
Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF (Red Sox number 30)
Campbell, last year’s fourth-round draft pick, has made everything look easy this season at High-A Greenville. The 22-year-old prospect has nine doubles and seven home runs for a .921 OPS in 35 games. Between Teel, Zanetello and Campbell, Boston’s 2023 draft class looked promising early on.
