Surging shortstop Arias leads updated Red Sox Top 30 Prospects list
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The Red Sox made headlines when they traded for All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman at the Deadline. But as significant as the acquisition was, the return package may have gotten more shine.
The baseball world keyed in on Boston sending three of its top five prospects at the time to bring in the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. However, the high-ceiling talent that remains -- including most notably Franklin Arias -- still commands plenty of attention.
Nearly everybody who follows the Red Sox is aware of Arias at this point. The 20-year-old shortstop -- once known for his elite defense -- has blossomed offensively in 2026, adding big fly power to his already elite bat-to-ball skills. Arias, Boston's No. 1 prospect, has gotten off to a hot start following his promotion to Triple-A Worcester in July, notching three homers and 14 RBIs in his first 13 games.
Justin Gonzales -- ranked No. 79 in the updated Top 100 Prospects list -- dons David Ortiz's No. 34 for High-A Greenville and has the same size (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) and swagger as the Hall of Famer. Still just 19 years old, the Dominican native hits the ball as hard as any player in the system but needs to cut down on his ground-ball rate to truly tap into it.
As for arms, Juan Valera and Sadbiel Delzine each fit Boston's pitching lab like a glove. Prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery this spring, Valera -- a 6-foot-3 flamethrower -- was vying for a spot on the Top 100 Prospects list. Delzine -- who has an equally hulking 6-foot-5, 198-pound frame as an 18-year-old -- sports a sub-2.00 ERA across his first three starts at Single-A Salem and can touch 98 mph.
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Here’s a look at the Red Sox top prospects:
1. Franklin Arias, SS (MLB No. 3)
2. Justin Gonzales, OF (MLB No. 79)
3. Juan Valera, RHP
4. Franklin Primera, C/1B
5. Jake Schaffner, SS
Biggest jump/fall
Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the preseason list:
Jump: Franklin Primera, C/1B (Preseason: Unranked | Midseason: No. 4)
Signed for just $10,000 out of Venezuela in 2024, Primera has proven to be a diamond in the rough. After slashing .333/.465/.430 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League during his debut season, Primera upped the ante with a .427/.549/.718 line during 32 Florida Complex League games this year. The success prompted a promotion to Single-A Salem where the 19-year-old has hit the ground running. The key to Primera’s dominance at the dish has been his mature approach, walking 37 times compared to 29 strikeouts between two levels this season. As he continues to put on strength, he could hit anywhere from 15 to 20 homers a season.
Fall (tie): Hayden Mullins, LHP (Preseason: No. 16 | Midseason: No. 27)
After he turned in a 2.44 ERA over 18 starts at Double-A Portland last season, Mullins’ run totals have ballooned this year. The 25-year-old has posted a 5.26 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 18 appearances for the Sea Dogs. Typically fueled by his four-seamer with significant carry, the offering has sat in the low-90s this season after touching 95 mph regularly last year.
Miguel Bleis, OF (Preseason: No. 17 | Midseason: No. 28)
Ranked as a Top 100 prospect in 2023 after a strong season in the Florida Complex League, Bleis has failed to reach his lofty ceiling. The 22-year-old still has the dynamic athleticism that made him a coveted signee in the 2021 class -- and signaled five-tool potential -- but his hit tool has never improved. This season, Bleis is striking out at a 23.6% clip while hitting .232 through 84 games.
New to the list
Here are the players added to the Top 30 from outside the organization:
No. 5: Schaffner, SS (Pick No. 20 in 2026 Draft)
No. 8: Owen Hull, OF (Pick No. 67 in 2026 Draft)
No. 13: Jace Mataczynski, SS (Pick No. 96 in 2026 Draft)
No. 14: Martin Shelar, OF (Pick No. 274 in 2026 Draft)
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Best tools
Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. Players in parentheses have the same grade.
Hit: 60 -- Franklin Arias
Power: 55 -- Justin Gonzales (Franklin Arias, Martin Shelar)
Run: 60 -- Jake Schaffner (Miguel Bleis, Owen Hull, Jace Mataczynski)
Arm: 60 -- Justin Gonzales (Miguel Bleis, Jace Mataczynski)
Defense: 60 -- Franklin Arias (Miguel Bleis, Jace Matacyznski)
Fastball: 65 -- Juan Valera
Curveball: 55 -- Sadbiel Delzine
Slider: 55 -- Juan Valera (Sadbiel Delzine, Marcus Phillips, Eduardo Rivera)
Changeup: 55 -- Jedixson Paez (Sadbiel Delzine)
Control: 70 -- Jedixson Paez