Boston Red Sox
“You can watch Franklin and feel like this guy’s going to play in the big leagues.”
Reinforcements might be on the way for the Red Sox, with players like Adley Rutschman, Roman Anthony, Curtis Mead, and Garrett Crochet all working their way back from injuries in hopes of joining Boston for the stretch run of the 2026 season.
But, could Boston receive another lift courtesy of one of the top prospects in baseball?
Shortstop Franklin Arias — Boston’s blue-chip prospect and the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball (per Baseball America) is making a compelling case.
Arias, 20, only received the call-up to Triple-A Worcester a few weeks ago. But, he hasn’t looked out of place — slashing .326/.400/.581 with two doubles, three home runs, and 12 RBI in his first 10 games with his new club while playing strong defense.
Andruw Monasterio has held down the fort as of late for the Red Sox at short. But, with both Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa still on the injured list, and Marcelo Mayer traded to the Giants, could Boston call up Arias if he continues to tee off against pitching in Worcester?
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was asked about a late-season callup for Arias on WEEI Thursday.
“He’s 20 years old, and he’s only played two weeks in Triple-A. So the most important thing is for him to continue to develop where he is,” Breslow said. “And, separately, we’re constantly evaluating the play of our major league team.
“Often these things become really clear because there is an obvious hole on your major league team, or a player in the minor leagues is kicking down the door. We constantly evaluate those things, but I’m not sure we’re there yet.”
Arias’ play has caught the attention of Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, who has been impressed with the strides the young infielder has made when it comes to raising his profile as a potential impact bat.
“Physical gifts and tools-wise, you can watch Franklin and feel like this guy’s going to play in the big leagues. But you never know,” Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. “The best thing you could do is [ask], does he have the physical skills to do it? And do you like the character and the mental capacity and the ability to overcome things when they aren’t going right? Those are two big ones. By all intents and purposes, from what I know about the kid, he’s got those skills.”
Several factors will be in play when it comes to Arias’ potential arrival this season in Boston, with Story in particular likely getting another shot to carve out a regular role on this club.
Story has been sidelined since May due to a sports hernia that required surgery, with the veteran only batting .206 with three home runs and 19 RBI in 41 games with Boston prior to going under the knife.
But if Story continues to struggle upon his return — and Monasterio’s bat cools down — Arias could get his first look at the big leagues this fall, so long as he continues to crush pitching down in Worcester.
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