The Boston Red Sox will be making moves as they go for a playoff push. We will see them try to shuffle things around to find the optimal roster as they head to October. That could even lead to some major league debuts still happening in 2025.
With all the shuffling, promotions to the big league roster aren’t the only promotions that could happen in the system. Who are a few prospects who could still see a level bump before the end of the 2025 season?
5 prospects who could see minor league promotions when MLB rosters expand
Hayden Mullins (LHP)
Hayden Mullins started the year in High-A, but that was pretty surprising. The left-handed pitcher spent the entire 2024 season there and handled it well. What wasn’t surprising was Mullins dominating at the level for the first month, before being promoted to Double-A.
Mullins hasn’t slowed down in Double-A. He has a 2.28 ERA, .156 BAA, and 1.08 WHIP in 13 starts. The 24-year-old has 67 strikeouts compared to 32 walks in 59 1/3 innings with Portland.
If any Triple-A pitchers are promoted/moved, Mullins is the first Double-A name to get the call.
Nelly Taylor (OF)
Nelly Taylor is the best defensive outfielder in the system. He routinely makes difficult plays look easy, showing off great instincts, a fantastic glove, elite range, and a strong arm.
Taylor is far from just a defensive wizard, though. The left-handed hitter is slashing .228/.372/.373 with 19 doubles, three triples, and seven home runs. He’s driven in 34 runs, scored 55 more, and stolen 27 bases.
Taylor has also been praised for his leadership and consistently puts together strong ABs. Even with the low batting average, the Red Sox have to love what they get from Taylor.
Natanael Yuten (OF)
Natanael Yuten should already be in High-A. The left-handed hitting outfielder started the season slowly, but has been one of Salem’s best hitters all year. Considering he spent all of 2024 with Salem, he’s incredibly due for a promotion.
Yuten is slashing .272/.328/.399 with 17 doubles, five triples, and three home runs. He’s driven in 34 runs, scored 37 more, and stolen eight bases. With a .319 average since May 19, it’s hard to argue against a promotion.
Yhoiker Fajardo (RHP)
Admittedly, this is the least likely potential promotion on this list. Yhoiker Fajardo only has nine Single-A starts under his belt (37 1/3 innings). However, by the time September rolls around, that could be nearly 50 innings. That should be enough for Boston to feel comfortable with a promotion.
The right-handed 18-year-old pitcher has a 3.38 ERA, .241 BAA, and 1.26 WHIP with Salem. He has 37 strikeouts compared to 14 walks and has yet to allow a home run.
Fajardo was acquired as a “lottery ticket” prospect for left-handed reliever Cam Booser. Fajardo has quickly transformed himself into something legitimate, and the Red Sox should get him a start or two in Greenville to prep him for next season.