24. Antoni Flores
Antoni Flores was brought to Boston as part of the same International pool as Daniel Flores. There’s no relation, but Antoni has plenty of potential as well.
Flores is a 17-year-old shortstop (turns 18 on October 14) who doesn’t excel at any one category but should be considered as above-average in each. If I had to name his biggest strength at the moment, I’d go defense – although his contact is up there.
Flores probably isn’t going to hit 20+ home runs but could give you 10-15 a year. Most importantly, the right-handed hitter has potential to do that while keeping his average near .300.
This was his first season getting reps, appearing in 15 Rookie Ball games. Flores slashed .340/.435/.528 with six extra-base hits. He drove in 14 runs and scored 10 more as well, showing solid run production ability.
Flores also showed a solid eye as he drew more walks (9) than he struck out (8) in 2018. That may not be the same sample size as Benge, but it’s still impressive regardless. Especially when you remember he’s only 17 and was in his first professional season.
2019 could be a big year for Flores as it could see his first taste of something above Rookie Ball. When that happens, we should get a much clearer view of what type of player he could be.
For now, I feel that Flores could be a solid all-around player. He’s sound defensively and will hit for average. Run production could be a massive part of his game as well. He’ll get on-base and while he isn’t going to steal a ton of bases should score a lot of runs. His ability to put the bat on the ball should lead to a lot of RBI as well.