The Double-A season ended on Sunday. Sadly, the Portland Sea Dogs’ game was canceled because of rain. However, the season didn’t end for everyone.
Following the non-game, the Boston Red Sox promoted infielder Ahbram Liendo to Triple-A (posted on Portland’s Instagram) to play out the final week of the season with the Worcester Red Sox. What do you need to know about Liendo before his WooSox debut?
The right-handed-hitting infielder can cover second base and shortstop (with a bit of outfield in an absolute pinch), but has been mainly a third baseman this season. He even pitched in extra innings this season (very common in the minor leagues) and picked up a save.
Liendo is known mostly for his defense and speed, but has enjoyed a career-year offensively. The 22-year-old slashed .239/.338/.369 with 11 doubles, two triples, and a career-high eight home runs in Double-A this season. He also set a new career mark with 55 RBI, while his 53 runs scored are three away from tying his previous high (56). Liendo also has 25 stolen bases.
It’s been great seeing Liendo take a step forward offensively. He abandoned switch-hitting a few years back, and that’s seemed to help. His improved offense makes him a legitimate prospect who could get on radars as a real major league option to some.
Red Sox promote elite defensive prospect Ahbram Liendo to Triple-A
However, that’s never what did it for me — the defense and the speed are. Liendo has the speed to swipe serious bags when he gets on base. Meanwhile, he’d win Gold Gloves if he were an everyday guy; just look at him. I mean, look at him.
That type of defense and speed combination gives you such an incredible floor. Speed doesn’t slump. While defense gets harder in the majors because the game is faster, it’s easy to see Liendo has the footwork, glove, arm, reactions, and instincts to succeed in the dirt.
Anything he adds offensively would be a massive bonus. No, you can’t have a ton of those guys on your roster. But it doesn’t hurt to have some elite defenders on the 26-man, especially if you have some heavy hitters.
Getting a week in Triple-A to end the 2026 season shows the Red Sox wanted to get him a few more reps. They felt he deserved more playing time, and maybe that he could be a valuable asset in the final week as Worcester tries to overcome a three-game deficit in the playoff race.
Liendo is now one step away from the majors, and he’s only 22. That’s pretty impressive for someone who hasn’t been viewed as a big-name prospect in the system. He’s taken steps forward offensively. Maybe not massive ones, but still steps. No reason to think he can’t continue to do so.
It’s still an uphill battle. There’s work to be done. I’m a very positive person, though. I don’t try to hide it. I could see Liendo becoming a defensive wizard for the Red Sox who can swipe a bag any time he gets on base has me envisioning a future where he becomes a massive fan favorite.
I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but get a bit familiar with Liendo, because at the very least, he’s going to entertain the hell out of you with his bonkers defensive ability.
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