Red Sox's shortstop future looks bright as Arias tears up Double-A

This story was excerpted from Ian Browne's Red Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

BOSTON -- If highlights have been sparing at the Major League level for the Red Sox at this early juncture of the season, there’s been a lot to like on the farm.

In particular, at shortstop for Double-A Portland. Franklin Arias, the club’s No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has been lighting it up at the plate.

The 20-year-old has always been known for his elite glove at the most important position in the infield. But his offense is starting to catch up, especially in the power department.

In his first 10 games and 30 at-bats, Arias has a line of .467/.564/.833 with two doubles, three homers, nine RBIs, five walks and just three strikeouts.

Arias, a right-handed hitter who impressed Red Sox manager Alex Cora in cameos with the big league club during Spring Training, has done nothing to dissuade the notion that he could be the shortstop of the future in Boston.

For more insight into the hot start for Arias, who was signed as an international free agent by the Sox out of Venezuela on Jan. 15, 2023, I reached out to Brian Abraham, Boston’s senior director of player development.

MLB.com: What are key offensive adjustments Arias has made that have helped lead to his hot start?

Abraham: He’s done a good job adding weight and strength, which has translated into more consistent impact on the baseball -- bat speed, more barrels and overall louder contact. The other key focus has been improving his pitch selection, targeting the right pitches he can drive in the air to the pull side. While the goal is for him to be a complete hitter, we know more impact comes when he’s pulling the ball in the air for damage.

MLB.com: What type of hitter does he have the potential to develop into?

Abraham: As described, he profiles as a complete hitter -- someone who gets on base, makes consistent contact and demonstrates strong pitch selection. He has the ability to use the entire field, with his greatest damage coming when he’s able to pull the ball in the air. Overall, he’s the type of player who can impact the game in a variety of ways and do a little bit of everything at the plate.

MLB.com: Arias has always been known for his great defense at shortstop. How have you seen that evolve so far this season?

Abraham: It’s only been a short amount of time, but we continue to see him not only make the routine play, but continue to improve his range and out conversion. He prides himself on being a strong defender up the middle and his added strength and already strong athleticism have allowed that to continue to progress.

MLB.com: What are his key areas of development that remain as he pushes toward becoming a big leaguer?

Abraham: Continuing to get bigger and stronger, both to improve his on-field performance and to eventually handle the demands of a full 162-game season at a premium position -- especially given his age and opportunity for continued physical development. That added strength should translate to improved durability, more consistent defense and greater impact at the plate. With his work ethic, consistency and strong baseball instincts, there’s a lot of excitement about where he’s headed and the growth still to come.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• The toughest development for the farm system this week was when No. 5 prospect Juan Valera left his most recent start for High-A Greenville in the second inning with discomfort in his right elbow. Valera crouched down on the mound in frustration.

The club won’t make a decision on how to proceed with Valera until the inflammation calms down. The hard-throwing righty is currently on the 7-day injured list.

The 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic had a 1.93 ERA in three starts, walking four and striking out 17.

• In positive pitching news, righty Anthony Eyanson, the third of the three SEC pitchers the Sox took early in last year’s MLB Draft and the club's No. 10 prospect, continues to dazzle. Eyanson impressed the organization by adding several miles per hour to his fastball in the offseason, and it is paying off.

The former LSU star has allowed just one run over his first three starts for Greenville. Over 12 1/3 innings, he has no walks and 18 strikeouts.