Prospect Devers has big Gulf Coast League debut
Signed last August, 17-year-old third baseman collects four hits, three RBIs
Less than a year after signing with the Red Sox, third baseman Rafael Devers made his American debut Friday in the Gulf Coast League. He collected four hits and helped the rookie-level Red Sox defeat the Twins, 13-3.
Devers, the Red Sox's No. 11 prospect according to MLB.com, went 4-for-4 with a double, a triple, a walk and three RBIs.
As a 16-year old, Devers was ranked No. 6 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 International Prospects list a year ago. Scouts believed he was the most advanced left-handed hitter on the international market and the Red Sox signed him for $1.5 million out of the Dominican Republic on Aug. 9, 2013.
Now 17, Devers made his professional debut this season when the Dominican Summer League began play in May. He hit .337/.445/.538 with three home runs and four stolen bases in 28 games before being promoted.
Devers' debut in the Gulf Coast League comes just two days after the Red Sox signed two of the top right-handers in this year's international signing class. MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported the club signed Christopher Acosta and Anderson Espinoza, ranked Nos. 6 and 10 on this year's Top 30 list, when the signing period opened Wednesday.