Simply the best. That’s what the Red Sox are when it comes to farm systems, according to FanGraphs, which updated its evaluation of Boston’s minor-league players.
“This is the best farm system in baseball right now, and it will still be an above-average group when the youngsters who’ve gotten their feet wet in the big leagues are peeled off the top of this list due to graduation,” FanGraphs posted on Wednesday.
Of course, it’s no secret who leads the way for the Red Sox’s next generation: Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer.
Anthony, 21, has played in 15 games with the Red Sox, hitting .114 with one home run and five RBI. But the outfielder still has the highest ceiling of any prospect.
“Anthony’s feel for actualizing that power in big league games will probably take a little bit of time to reach its apex, but at peak, he’ll be a middle-of-the-order monster posting huge power and on-base percentages,” FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen wrote Wednesday.
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Campbell, 22, was the first of the “Big Three” prospects to reach the majors, making the Red Sox’s Opening Day roster. But he struggled in the big leagues, hitting .223 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 67 games before being sent down. He’s currently at Triple-A Worcester, where here’s learning how to play first base.
“It might take some time, but Campbell still projects as an impact offensive player,” according to Longenhagen.
Mayer, 22, is hitting .208 with four home runs and seven RBI in 27 games with the Red Sox. He’s seen time all around the infield, playing second base, third base and shortstop.
“He’s going to access enough power to be an impact player and long-term solution at shortstop for the Red Sox,” Longenhagen concluded.
