The Boston Red Sox are preparing for a new era in their farm system as they shift their focus towards pitching prospects ahead of the 2026 season. With the graduation of notable talents like Marcelo Mayer, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle to the major leagues, fans are eager to learn about the next wave of players making their mark in the organization.
Recent evaluations by Baseball America indicate a significant change in the Red Sox’s top prospect rankings, with six out of ten prospects now being pitchers. This trend is further highlighted by SoxProspects.com, which lists seven pitchers among its top ten. The movement reflects the club’s strategy to bolster its pitching depth, particularly following trades that saw the departure of well-known prospects like right-hander Luis Perales and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia.
As the Red Sox look to fortify their roster, several young players are poised to make an impact. Here are some prospects to watch in the upcoming season, excluding those who have already debuted in Major League Baseball.
Notable Pitching Prospects
Franklin Arias, a teenage shortstop, is the highest-ranked position player in the Red Sox system. He is currently listed as the 48th best prospect overall and has shown considerable promise. After being signed as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2023, Arias quickly made a name for himself in the Dominican Summer League. He finished the 2025 season at Double-A with a batting average of .278, eight home runs, 66 RBIs, and a .723 OPS over 116 games. Fans can expect to see him start 2026 in Portland, where his performance may lead to a promotion to Triple-A.
Among the pitchers, Juan Valera stands out as a compelling talent. Valera was signed for $45,000 and made a splash in 2024 with a 1.99 ERA in 18 outings at Low-A Salem. Despite facing challenges in 2025, including a 5.45 ERA in 10 starts for Greenville, he remains a prospect to watch as he aims to reach Double-A early in the upcoming season.
Another promising addition is Kyson Witherspoon, selected as the 15th overall pick in last summer’s MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma has already made a notable impression, ranking 62nd in Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects. With a formidable fastball that has topped 99 mph, he is expected to rise quickly through the minors, especially after a stellar college season where he recorded a 2.65 ERA and 124 strikeouts.
Emerging Stars and Future Potential
The Red Sox’s recent draft strategy has also yielded significant talent. Marcus Phillips, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, was selected with the 33rd overall pick after a series of trades. Phillips, standing at 6-foot-4, demonstrated his potential with a 3.90 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 83 innings during his college career. His fastball has reached speeds of 100.8 mph, making him a player to watch as he develops secondary pitches.
Another addition to this new wave of pitching talent is Anthony Eyanson. Drafted in the third round, Eyanson played a pivotal role in leading LSU to the 2025 College World Series, earning a victory in the clinching game. With a strong season record of 12-2 and a 3.00 ERA, his fastball and slider are expected to make a significant impact in the Red Sox organization.
The Red Sox also hold high hopes for Justin Gonzales, a promising outfielder who excelled at Low-A Salem with a batting average of .298 and an OPS of .804 in 2025. Now viewed as the top remaining power-hitting prospect in the organization, Gonzales has the potential for a breakout year, particularly as he moves away from Salem’s pitcher-friendly environment.
Lastly, Yhoiker Fajardo, acquired in a trade last offseason, has emerged as a notable prospect. After establishing himself in the Florida Complex League, Fajardo posted an impressive 2.25 ERA with 83 strikeouts over 72 innings. His rapid ascent within the system demonstrates the depth of talent available to the Red Sox.
As the Red Sox look to build a competitive roster for the 2026 season, these emerging prospects highlight the organization’s commitment to developing a strong pitching staff. Fans can anticipate an exciting season as these young players strive to make their mark in Major League Baseball.
