Red Sox prospects update: Kyle Teel on fire, two pitchers promoted

Red Sox prospects update: Kyle Teel on fire, two promoted pitchers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox’ long-term success depends on the development of their top three prospects: Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel.

The trio will one day be relied on to revive Boston’s reputation as a perennial World Series contender. For now, they will continue their development as players and teammates at Double-A Portland.

All three prospects, each ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, have had an encouraging start to 2024. Mayer has had good results since opening day, Anthony has 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. Here’s how the Red Sox’ top 10 prospects fared through May 28 (prospect rankings can be found via 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)

MLB arrival date: 2025

Mayer’s recovery season continued with a great May. Boston’s top prospect leads all Double-A players in doubles (17), is tied for third in points scored (35) and is fifth in hits (51).

After being plagued by a shoulder injury for most of 2023, Mayer is reminding the baseball world why he was widely considered the top prospect in the 2021 draft and a steal at No. 4 for Boston. At this rate he will be promoted to Triple-A Worcester by the end of the season.

2. Roman Anthony, OR

2024 statistics: .243/.365/.392, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 29 BB, 51 SO (41 games in Double-A Portland)

MLB arrival date: 2025

Anthony has seemed more comfortable lately after experiencing some growing pains at Double-A. The 2022 second-rounder, who turned 20 on May 13, has an .868 OPS for his birthday month.

Anthony has some serious power, especially for someone who is just in his twenties. The hope is that in a few years he will be 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)

MLB arrival date: 2025

Teel is back to ripping the cover off the ball after a rough 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 to make Boston’s top three club this year. He is a five-tool catcher who passed every test during his first year in the minors. If not the Majors, his rise should continue later in the season with a promotion to Triple-A Worcester.

4. Miguel Bleis, OF

2024 statistics: .258/.354/.407, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 20 BB, 34 SO (39 games at Low-A Salem)

MLB arrival date: 2027

Bleis looks like one of Boston’s most exciting players again 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 has also shown his speed with 16 steals in 39 games. A promotion to High-A doesn’t seem far away for the 20-year-old.

5. Wikelman González, 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 arrival date: 2025

Gonzalez’s second season in Portland hasn’t been as smooth as his first. The 22-year-old right-hander has allowed 25 runs in 31.2 innings with an alarming 6.5 walks per nine for the Sea Dogs. He remains the highest-ranked pitcher in Boston’s system, but if he doesn’t get out of this funk, Luis Perales could pass on him in MLB Pipeline’s next 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 Arrival Date: 2025

Yorke has cooled off after a torrid start to the 2024 season. The 2020 first-round pick has a .534 OPS for May after posting an .815 OPS in April. He’ll have to be more consistent if he hopes to find a way onto The Show.

7. Yoeilin Cespedes, SS

2024 statistics: .283/.382/.544, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 10 SO (13 games in Florida Complex League)

MLB arrival date: 2027

Cespedes’ season started on May 4 with rookie ball with the Florida Complex League Red Sox. The 18-year-old remains one of Boston’s most exciting young talents after signing with the club as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Cespedes should get his first taste of professional ball relatively soon. If he does, you’ll want to get him on your radar. He is on track to become the organization’s top prospect when the Big Three graduate.

8. Nazzan Zanetello, SS

2024 statistics: .250/.415/.469, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 BB, 12 SO (10 games at Low-A Salem)

MLB arrival date: 2028

Zanetello, who turned 19 on May 25, has missed time this season with a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury on May 3 and returned to action on May 22. In limited action, Zanetello has showcased his intriguing hitting tool and 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 arrival date: 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 twelve (a career high) in five innings.

Perales boasts a ridiculous 15.7 strikeouts per nine innings through seven starts this season. The 21-year-old could soon earn the title as Boston’s No. 1 pitching prospect.

10. Richard Fitts, RHP

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 arrival date: 2024

Fitts has looked solid, but unspectacular, through nine appearances with the WooSox. The right-hander, acquired from the Yankees in the Alex Verdugo off-season deal, could make his big league debut later this season as Boston looks to add pitching.

Outbreak 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 a 37 percent strikeout rate in seven starts. He’s not listed as one of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Red Sox prospects, but he’s still worth your attention as a potential Boston call-up later this year if he continues this pace.

Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF (No. 30 Red Sox prospect)

Campbell, a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, has made things look easy at High-A Greenville this season. The soon-to-be 22-year-old 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.