Boston Red Sox prospect watch: 2023 season has arrived

Red Sox Triple-A (Worcester) prospects

David Hamilton made the jump to Triple-A to start the 2023 season, and he's making quite the impression. Hamilton earned recognition last year on the back of his 70 steals in Double-A. Now he's proving his worth on a bigger stage. The left-handed hitting middle infielder is slashing .409/.409/.682 with one double, one triple, and one home run. He's driven in four runs, scored four more, and has already racked up five steals.

Enmanuel Valdez put up superstar numbers in 2022 and got Boston Red Sox fans excited after being traded for Christian Vazquez. Then he made waves in Spring Training. The left-handed hitter is 1-for-18 with a double and four walks so far. It's far too early to be concerned, but definitely not an ideal start for the second baseman.

Nick Sogard has been consistently solid for the Red Sox since joining the organization a few seasons ago. The switch-hitter is slashing .455/.625/.636 with two doubles. He's yet to drive in a run but has scored six and stolen three bases. Sogard plays strong defense in the infield and has more walks (5) than strikeouts (2). He could play himself into a Major League debut at some point this year.

Ryan Fitzgerald is still mashing. The left-handed hitter has a .353/.368/.588 slash line with one double and one home run this year. He's driven in five runs and scored six more. Fitz is a great utility defender with plenty of pop. An injury slowed him down last year, but maybe he'll earn that MLB call-up in 2023.

Bryan Mata had a very Bryan Mata start in his first appearance of the year. The right-handed pitcher gave up one run on two hits over 3 2/3 innings, striking out six but walking five. Walks have been the only real issue for Mata in his career. Honestly, though, the first start of the year featuring walks isn't much to worry about.

Brandon Walter has two starts in 2023. His first was rough, allowing five runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings. Start two saw the lefty toss 5 2/3 shutout innings, giving up just four hits and one walk while striking out three.

Chris Murphy ran into some issues in start number one. The left-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings pitched. Murph did strike out five batters, though.

The Red Sox lost Andrew Politi in the Rule 5 draft, but luckily for them, he was returned after not making the Baltimore Orioles' opening day roster. Politi should be a bullpen arm in the Majors this season and is already off to a hot start. In 3 1/3 innings, the righty hasn't allowed a run while striking out three and picking up a save.

Oddanier Mosqueda has given up one run on three hits over 3 2/3 innings this season. The left-handed pitcher has walked two batters while striking out four. Mosqueda impressed in Spring Training, and the 23-year-old is off to a good start in the regular season.