Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 55

Though Arias was one of the better defensive shortstops in the 2023 international class, he didn't stand out at the plate and signed for $525,000 out of Venezuela. That perception has changed after he ranked fifth in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in hitting (.350) during his pro debut, then encored by winning the batting title (.355) and MVP and top prospect awards in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League last summer. He also topped the FCL in on-base percentage (.471), slugging (.584) and OPS (1.055) while stealing 30 bases in 51 games, then held his own as an 18-year-old at Single-A.

Arias makes advanced swing decisions for a teenager and repeated contact with a simple right-handed stroke. As they have with several of their top prospects, the Red Sox have helped him add strength and bat speed, and he did a better job of driving balls to his pull side during his U.S. debut. He could hit for average, draw a healthy amount of walks and provide 15-20 homers per year.

Arias' tools are fairly similar to Marcelo Mayer's at the same age. He's a fringy runner with a high baseball IQ that enables him to play faster than that on the bases and in the field. He's the best shortstop defender in the system, featuring range to both sides, reliable hands and a strong arm.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 55

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.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50 

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. 

Awards

SAL Player of the Month

Month	Team
05/2025

Baseball America Rookie All-Star

Year	Team
2024

FCL Top MLB Prospect

Year	Team
2024

FCL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

FCL Most Valuable Player

Year	Team
2024

FCL Player of the Week

Week	Team
06/30/2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	09/02/2025	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Portland Sea Dogs from Greenville Drive.
	04/29/2025	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Greenville Drive from Salem Red Sox.
	04/29/2025	Greenville Drive activated SS Franklin Arias.
	03/07/2025	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Boston Red Sox.
	03/06/2025	activated SS Franklin Arias.
	07/23/2024	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Salem Red Sox from FCL Red Sox.
	07/23/2024	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Salem Red Sox from FCL Red Sox.
	05/03/2024	SS Franklin Arias assigned to FCL Red Sox from DSL Red Sox Red.
	03/15/2024	SS Franklin Arias assigned to Boston Red Sox Prospects.
	06/05/2023	SS Franklin Arias assigned to DSL Red Sox Red.
	01/15/2023	Boston Red Sox signed free agent SS Franklin Arias to a minor league contract.