Boston Red Sox Prospects: 2022 will be the year of Alex Binelas

2022 will be the year of Boston Red Sox prospect Alex Binelas

The Boston Red Sox made a pretty surprising move this offseason when they traded Hunter Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers. The outfielder had a breakout season in his first year in Boston. Due to that, he quickly became someone a lot of the fans fell in love with. There was clear value there too. So it was shocking, to say the least.

In return, the Red Sox received a familiar face in Jackie Bradley Jr. – an elite defender. He’s not exactly Renfroe with the bat but fans won’t be upset to see him back in centerfield.

That’s not all they got though. Boston also received two prospects. David Hamilton – a speedy shortstop who swiped 52 bags in 2021 is definitely a fun addition. It’s Alex Binelas who is considered the “big get” here though.

Binelas was a third-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft. In his first year in the minors, the left-handed hitter mashed. In 118 at-bats in Low-A, he slashed .314/.379/.636 with 11 doubles and nine home runs. He drove in 27 runs and scored 29 more. Absolutely crushing the ball.

Now Binelas already has a new team though. So why will 2022 be his year? If anything, it will be difficult for him as he gets acclimated to his new organization, right?

Well, that’s really the only thing going against him. Binelas will now have a full season to get his stats up. Imagine what he can do in 100-plus games instead of just 100 at-bats?

It’s not just that though. Last season was not only his first in the minors, but also it was that weird short-time-after-the-draft. It can’t be easy for those players to go from drafted to playing in the minors in such a short period of time. He’s now had an offseason and already has some experience in the minors.

Another great thing is, he’s probably going to start the year in High-A. Maybe Low-A, but even if he does start there, the stint would most likely be pretty short.

With that in mind, think about a High-A lineup that features Binelas, Nick Yorke, Matthew Lugo, Ceddanne Rafaela, Gilberto Jimenez, Stephen Scott, Tyler McDonough, Niko Kavadas, and Nathan Hickey. That’s firepower right there.

Binelas will have so much around him. He’ll have players in front to get on-base and drive in. But he’ll also have players behind him to protect him and drive him in when necessary. It’s the perfect storm for an incredible season.

A high average with 20-plus home runs and 75-plus RBI could definitely be in the works. His offensive potential in that lineup is Keith-Lee-levels of limitless.

The 21-year-old (turns 22 on May 26) isn’t exactly known for his defense and he’s never going to be much of a threat when it comes to speed. However, I think the defense might be a little over-blown. Give him some time to see if he can improve at third base. First base and corner outfield could also be options.

This could also come into play. Improvements defensively might not be as sexy, but it would definitely help to make the year successful for Binelas.

2022 has the potential to be something special. Binelas was a great addition to the Red Sox minor league system. Could we see a phenomenal introduction season? Yes. Could it lead to a promotion to Double-A before the end of the year? Yes. Will I be glued to the TV watching as many of the Greenville Drive games as I can? Absolutely.