The World Baseball Classic has begun, and is creating exciting moments with each passing inning. With those exciting moments come opportunities for players to establish themselves.
There are players like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Edwin Diaz, Roman Anthony, and Junior Caminero who don’t need an introduction. However, what about the lesser-known players? Specifically, the prospects?
The Boston Red Sox have two prospects in the WBC, and neither is a household name. That means they have a chance to introduce themselves to the world on the biggest possible stage in baseball.
2 Red Sox prospects get a unique opportunity in the World Baseball Classic
Eduardo Rivera (LHP)
In 2024, Eduardo Rivera was released by the Athletics after just 8 1/3 innings in High-A (and 2 2/3 innings in Single-A). The Red Sox swooped in to pick him up, and Rivera impressed in a small sample size in Single-A.
He took a massive leap in 2025. The left-handed pitcher posted a 2.48 ERA, .177 BAA, and 1.16 WHIP in 20 games (15 starts) between High-A and Double-A. He struck out 108 batters compared to 46 walks in 87 innings. Rivera only allowed four home runs all year.
The 22-year-old is listed at 6’7”, 237 lbs. He features a fastball in the mid-90s that can flirt with 100 MPH and a strong mix of secondary pitches, including a potentially plus changeup.
2025 certainly got Rivera on the map for some fans, and now he’s pitching for Puerto Rico in the WBC. Getting on this big a stage despite only having 42 1/3 innings of experience in Double-A should tell you how impressive he was last season.
It’s also a perfect opportunity for Rivera to get some extra work in against some of the best in the world and to showcase if he’s ready for the big stage.
Rivera was overshadowed by a few ridiculous ascensions in Boston’s system last year (mainly Payton Tolle) and the addition of so many arms in the draft. However, he’s someone you should pay attention to, and it’s really cool that you get the chance to do just that in the WBC.
Jack Anderson (RHP)
Jack Anderson joined the Red Sox organization last year and was phenomenal for the majority of his season in Double-A. He got punched in the mouth in an early-season Triple-A appearance before going back to Portland. In September, he returned to Worcester and looked much better.
The right-handed pitcher posted an 11.12 ERA in three appearances with Worcester, mainly hurt from that first outing (eight runs in 1 2/3 innings). However, he had a 3.58 ERA, .244 BAA, and 1.17 WHIP in 23 appearances in Double-A. Anderson struck out 90 batters and walked 18 in 75 1/3 innings with Portland.
If it wasn’t for that one dreadful Worcester appearance, Anderson would likely be getting more buzz as a potential bullpen arm for 2026.
The WBC is giving the 26-year-old a chance to rewrite the narrative. Pitching for Great Britain on the biggest stage of his career, Anderson can prove to the Red Sox that he can handle the moment.
While Rivera has a chance to become a highly regarded prospect, Anderson is going to stay under the radar at this point. There’s a real path for the righty to make an impact in Boston this year, though. With that in mind, keep an eye on him in the WBC.