Keith Law Gives Very Aggressive Ranking To Unheralded Red Sox Prospect

The Boston Red Sox have a deeper farm system depth than people realize, beyond top prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer.

Anthony headlined several updated prospect lists this week, including that of The Athletic’s Keith Law. However, Law’s appreciation for the Red Sox system spanned to a surprising level.

Law ranked Boston infield prospect Franklin Arias as the No. 42 overall prospect in baseball. For reference, Arias did not crack the Baseball America or ESPN Top 100 lists.

MLB Pipeline does have the Red Sox infielder as the No. 76 overall prospect. The 19-year-old is just getting started with Low-A Salem, but his brand is already known around the sport. He won Florida Complex League MVP and made his first jump in the Red Sox system.

“He’s got tools and athleticism to spare, showing excellent bat speed and wrist strength already, along with a fantastic swing that has great rhythm to it and lets him get his lower half involved more power,” Law wrote. “He’s a true shortstop with soft hands and solid instincts already, showing a plus arm and above-average speed on both sides of the ball. Arias just turned 19 in November and probably gets to High-A at some point this year, given how good his contract skills are already.”

Arias could join younger prospects such as Miguel Bleis as the next leading prospect wave for the Red Sox after the Anthony/Mayer regime graduates to the majors.