Earlier in the offseason, unfortunate news broke that Boston Red Sox prospect Brainer Bonaci was pulled from the Arizona Fall League after violating the MiLB domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy.
We didn't get much news on the situation. It wasn't even clear what Bonaci had done. However, it was pretty clear that this wasn't a good situation. This came after Bonaci went back to his native Venezuela in August and was placed on administrative leave.
Well, things got worse on Wednesday. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that Bonaci has officially been suspended for the entire 2024 season.
We still haven't gotten an answer on what exactly the 21-year-old did. It's more clear than ever that Bonaci's gotten himself into trouble. No news for a few months, followed by a full-year suspension, is pretty damning.
Boston Red Sox prospect Brainer Bonaci has been suspended for the 2024 season
Red Sox minor leaguer Brainer Bonaci has been suspended for the entire 2024 season for violating the Minor League Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policy https://t.co/c8JjvRIsZW via @BostonGlobe
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 28, 2024
The switch-hitting infielder was one of the breakout prospects in the Red Sox organization over the last two seasons. In 2022, he posted a career-high in OBP (.397), doubles (19), triples (6), RBI (50), runs scored (86) and steals (28). Then, in 2023, he set career marks in home runs (11), average (.297), slugging percentage (.464), and OPS (.818). Per MLB Pipeline, he's the 12th-best prospect in the Sox's system.
After the back-to-back big seasons, Bonaci found himself in Double-A and quickly climbed up the prospect rankings.
However, that's all come to a crashing halt. No longer are we worried about Bonaci's progression as a hitter or his strong arm and highlight plays on defense. He's now seemingly embroiled in a serious legal situation with all the details under wraps.
It remains unknown what the plan is for Bonaci with the Red Sox moving forward. If they decide to cut ties, it won't come as a shock to many given how ominously this case has unfolded.