With the minor league season right around the corner, we're wondering about potential breakout candidates again. Here, we'll unpack one position player to watch at each level of the Boston Red Sox's minor league system.
These are a combination of hitters who could have breakout years as well as hitters who could continue to rise the ranks. There might even be some players who will simply be fun to watch.
The Red Sox's farm system is so deep that there are multiple breakout candidates at each level, but here are four players we're most excited to watch.
One Red Sox hitting prospect to watch at every level of the minor leagues
Triple-A Worcester Red Sox - Alex Binelas (1B/3B)
Alex Binelas came over from the Brewers organization with David Hamilton in the 2021 Hunter Renfroe trade. At the time, Binelas was the bigger name. However, Hamilton overtook him and became a legitimate part of the Red Sox roster last season (and is on the Opening Day roster this year).
Binelas had his struggles in his first two seasons in Boston's system. 2024 may have been a make-or-break year for the Louisville product, and he responded by having arguably his best full season in the minor leagues.
The left-handed hitter slashed .252/.353/.413 with 13 doubles, five triples, and nine home runs. He drove in 60 runs, scored 46 more, and stole 14 bases in 15 attempts. The batting average, OBP, triples, and steals were all career highs.
Most important was the strikeout rate. In 2023, Binelas struck out 115 times in 328 plate appearances (35.1% K rate). He only recorded 92 strikeouts last season despite having 363 plate appearances (25.3% K rate).
Binelas is a solid defender at both corner infield spots. He's showcased good power and is improving with his contact. There's sneaky athleticism that allows him to get extra bases and steal bags. Boston is thin at first base. If Binelas plays well, he could earn a shot in the majors.
Double-A Portland Sea Dogs - Allan Castro (OF)
The Portland Sea Dogs have some recognizable names. Mikey Romero is healthy and looking like a star again. Meanwhile, Jhostynxon Garcia turned into one last year.
What about Allan Castro, though? The switch-hitting outfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023 but was overshadowed by Roman Anthony. He entered the 2024 season with more hype, but the year turned out to be a little disappointing. There were clear positives, however.
Castro begins the season as a 21-year-old. He has raw power, and even last year, when he struggled, he kept the walks up. Despite a .229 average, he managed a .343 OBP. Castro slugged .400 thanks to 23 doubles, four triples, and 15 home runs. He also drove in 57 runs, scored 80 more, and stole 15 bases.
Castro has all the tools to be a star, and now, with some Double-A experience under his belt, he could come out swinging in 2025.
High-A Greenville Drive - Nelly Taylor (OF)
Greenville's roster features plenty of good candidates for a breakout, such as Miguel Bleis, Justin Riemer, Brooks Brannon, Andy Lugo, and others. However, the answer has to be Nelly Taylor.
The left-handed hitter slashed .233/.337/.376 with 26 doubles, four triples, and eight home runs between Single-A and High-A last season. He drove in 54 runs, scored 74 more, and stole 33 bases. Most important was the fact that those numbers increased significantly following his late-season promotion to High-A.
Taylor is an intriguing bat with phenomenal speed. The 2024 season was his first in the minor leagues, and 2025 could be a big one.
Taylor is also an elite defensive outfielder who is going to wow you with plays on an almost nightly basis. You genuinely don't want to miss him in the field.
Single-A (Salem Red Sox) - Antonio Anderson (3B)
Antonio Anderson had a tough first full season in the minor leagues. The switch-hitter slashed .186/.311/.270 with 17 doubles, one triple, and five home runs. He had 34 RBI, 53 runs scored, and stole three bases.
Anderson had some hot streaks at the plate, but, the numbers were low overall. However, he didn't turn 19 until the end of June. Anderson is a raw prospect with good patience at the plate and plus-power potential. He also likely would've spent last year in Low-A Lowell if that was still around.
Things were turning around for Anderson, who hit .234 in the second half of the season. He also looked comfortable at third base and should continue to get better there.
In 2025, Anderson will have a full season in Single-A under his belt. Expect the bat to look much more polished. The Red Sox don't have a lot of big-name prospects occupying third base, could Anderson be a breakout star at the position?