The Red Sox have one of the best systems in the minors. Highlighted by recent call ups like Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts as well as future studs like Henry Owens, Yoan Moncada and Blake Swihart. However, many people forget the young toolsy outfielder, Manuel Margot.
Margot is only 20 and has been doing it all in A Ball. Signed in 2011 out of San Cristobal, of the Dominican Republic, Margot was brought to the US to start playing at the ripe age of 17. In the 3 years he has played in the Sox system he has shown himself to be a potential 5-tool player who could be a future all star.
Last season, Margot began the year in A ball and was moved up to High A towards the end of his season. He had a very impressive year statistically and is poised to continue his success in 2015.
| Level | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | K | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 99 | 370 | 61 | 106 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 45 | 37 | 49 | 39 | .286 | .355 | .449 | .803 |
| A+ | 16 | 50 | 4 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 3 | .340 | .364 | .560 | .924 |
| 2014 Totals | 115 | 420 | 65 | 123 | 25 | 5 | 12 | 59 | 39 | 54 | 42 | .293 | .356 | .462 | .818 |
*Stats from MLB.com
As you can see, Margot can just about do it all. He can hit, steal, walk and is developing some power. He is only 20 so he still has some significant development left in him and could easily develop 25 homer power.
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Margot may not be considered top tier prospect (yet), but if he continues the pace he has set in his first 3 years in the minors, it won’t be long before his a household name. He will begin the year in High A and will have the chance to be moved up to AA at some point towards the end of the season.
Success in the lower levels of the minors needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but Margot profiles to be a guy who could have multiple 20/20 all while hitting for a solid average with a high OBP. If he continues his fantastic pace, he could be pushing for a roster spot at the start of the 2017 season. It is unclear what the Sox outfield will look like at that point, but Betts and Castillo should be locked in as starters. Hanley will most likely be moved to 1B or DH to help reduce his injury risk which would free up an OF spot.
The Red Sox have done a great job at acquiring young, talented players and Margot is just another example of this. Our system will take a hit by the end of the year with Owens and Swihart most likely getting the call up for good, but the likely ascension of Margot will help keep the Sox system one of the best in baseball.