5 Boston Red Sox prospects to watch for the Salem Red Sox

Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Luis Perales

The pitching prospect depth for the Boston Red Sox is severely underrated. I get it - it's hard to get excited about a guy in Low-A that you haven't seen pitch. Luis Perales deserves all your attention, though.

The right-handed pitcher appeared in four games for the Salem Red Sox at the end of the 2022 season. He posted a 3.38 ERA, .250 BAA, and a 1.97 WHIP over 10 2/3 innings. Perales had a control problem with 11 walks but did manage 16 strikeouts.

His potential makes the 19-year-old (who turns 20 on April 14) interesting. Perales has three potentially elite pitches. His fastball already works in the mid-to-high 90s with good movement. He can confuse hitters with a high-80s changeup with a late drop and deceptive arm movement.

Finally, a curveball that's already shown to make hitters look foolish. Perales tosses it in the mid-80s with phenomenal spin and movement. This one could be a "Pitching Ninja" regular in the future.

Perales has work to do. He's only 19, the command has been an issue, and he didn't pitch more than three innings in any appearance last season (including in Rookie Ball).

That gives us some clear benchmarks to hit in 2023, though. Can Perales gain better control over any of his three pitches? When he does, good luck. Will he be able to work deeper into games as the year goes on? Can he become more consistent with his offspeed pitches?

Luis Perales is a name that could jump into the top 100 prospects sooner than many realize. That alone makes him exciting this season. However, the laid-out goals make him one of the most intriguing names for the Boston Red Sox in 2023.