The two largest bonuses in Boston's 2023 international crop went to shortstops Yoeilin Cespedes ($1.4 million) and Franklin Arias ($525,000), who quickly established themselves as top prospects. A Venezuelan, Arias provides less pop than Cespedes but is a superior defender and may have better bat-to-ball skills. He finished fifth in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League batting race (.350) in his pro debut.
Arias is a no-doubt shortstop and may be the system's best defender at the position. With quick feet, dependable hands and a strong arm, he has all the tools and his instincts are impressive as well. He shows range to both sides and can make plays from deep in the hole.
At the plate, Arias controls the strike zone and makes repeated contact with an easy right-handed swing. He's starting to add strength and grow into more power, and he could produce 15-20 homers annually once he's in his prime. After not showing much basestealing aptitude in his first year as a pro, he used his solid speed to swipe 30 bags in 51 games in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League this summer.
The Red Sox gave the two highest bonuses in their 2023 international class to shortstops Yoeilin Cespedes ($1.4 million) and Franklin Arias ($525,000). Cespedes has the loftier offensive ceiling, but Arias is the superior defender and already ranks with the best infielders in the system. Arias, who signed out of Venezuela, has been one of Boston's better hitters in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League during his pro debut.
Arias has the tools and instincts to make all the plays at shortstop. He has quick feet, reliable hands and a strong arm to go with a good internal clock. If he doesn't hit enough to be a regular, he could be an defensive asset at several positions in a utility role.
Arias focuses on making contact at the plate with a simple right-handed stroke. He controls the strike zone well and shows the ability to turn on pitches, though he'll need to add strength and drive balls in the air more regularly to produce double-digit home run totals. He has plus speed but hasn't shown much basestealing aptitude early in his career.
