Infield prospect Johnfrank Salazar is a top breakout candidate for the Boston Red Sox in the 2023 season
Every year, there are a few baseball prospects who take the world by storm; you’ll see someone who previously wasn’t getting much attention catch the eye and admiration of Boston Red Sox fans and become a favorite.
In 2022, we saw Ceddanne Rafaela rise to stardom. Miguel Bleis became a folk hero. Niko Kavadas was unstoppable. Meanwhile, Luis Perales and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz garnered plenty of talk despite only making a few appearances on the mound in Low-A.
With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that 2023 will bring with it a couple of its own breakout prospects that become the talk of the Red Sox fanbase. Infielder Johnfrank Salazar has to be considered one of the top candidates.
Salazar started the 2022 season in Rookie Ball but made his way up to Low-A by the end of the campaign. In 51 games (175 at-bats) between the two levels, the right-handed hitter slashed .297/.386/.394 with 11 doubles and three triples. He drove in 24 runs, scored 30 more, stole three bases (in three attempts), and walked nearly as many times (22) as he struck out (26).
Salazar might not have shown home run power, but there’s potential in his frame. He’s currently standing at 6’1″, 159 lbs. Clearly, there’s room for him to bulk up and add some power to his game. Right now, we’re seeing his ability to hit for contact and get on base though.
Most importantly, Salazar spent time at all four infield spots in 2022. That type of versatility not only makes him valuable, but it gives him plenty of opportunities to get on the field. Adding to that, he was set to take reps at catcher this offseason. You have to love seeing that type of flexibility.
Salazar isn’t entering 2023 as a top name in the system. A lot of fans probably don’t even know who he is. And those that do know him, are likely more worried about more prominent names. He’s in a perfect position to break out though. He’s only 19 and will get to start the year in Low-A already with some experience at the level. The Venezuela native covers the entire infield and is learning the catcher position as well. If he can add some muscle, things could get dangerous.
The Red Sox farm system has plenty of talent. Every year we see some breakouts that fans fall in love with. Salazar is poised to take one of those spots.