Amid countless injuries and a middling record, many Boston Red Sox fans have their eyes on the farm system.
The Red Sox have three prospects — occasionally referred to as "the Big Three" — who have been showing out with Double-A Portland. Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony have posted quality numbers so far, and Mayer may be nearing a promotion. Boston's No. 3 prospect could be right behind him.
Red Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel has posted a stellar campaign for the Sea Dogs, but the week of May 28-June 2 was his best yet, and it was worthy of Eastern League Player of the Week honors.
The 22-year-old mashed three homers in the week span, two of which came in the ninth inning of consecutive games against Double-A Altoona. One was a game-tying blast, the other was a go-ahead grand slam for his seventh ninth-inning RBI in two nights.
Red Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel earns Eastern League Player of the Week honors
Teel has been excellent in Portland for most of the season and a promotion to Triple-A is likely in the near future, which is an impressive feat, considering he was drafted less than one year ago. The righty is batting .307/.411/.497 with a .908 OPS over 40 games.
He's flashed stellar defense as well, including a play strikingly similar to one Connor Wong made earlier this year. Both catchers have been lauded for their athleticism and it's no surprise to see them make such impressive plays at their position.
Teel is projected to reach MLB readiness by 2025. He's been moving up through the system with haste and Sox fans could see him at Fenway quickly, especially if he gets off to a roaring start once he's bumped to Worcester.