The Red Sox are expected to be good at the big-league level, but how are things looking under the hood in the farm system?
The Boston Red Sox enter 2026 with a lot of expectations.
After making a return trip to the playoffs in 2025, Boston went out and added starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in free agency, as well as nabbing former All-Star Sonny Gray via trade. Johan Oviedo, also acquired via trade, gives the Red Sox a well-rounded rotation that also features solid depth in the form of prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early -- and former top prospect Kyle Harrison.
Full seasons of Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer should help as well, with the former serving as one of the most dynamic young players in the sport.
While things look good at the big-league level, the minor leagues also provide some reason for optimism. Boston just had four players ranked in the Baseball America Top 100, and BA listed three additional prospects as possible 'breakout candidates' for 2026 on Monday.
Here's what you need to know:
OF Enndy Azocar
Ranked as the No. 12 prospect in the organization by Baseball America, Azocar is just 18 years old. Signed at the 2024 international signing period, he spent 2025 at a combination of Rookie Ball and Single-A Salem. He hit .232 between the two stops, also posting a .302 on-base percentage. He had six home runs, 31 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.
He played 71 games at Single-A, so the organization may feel ready to move him to High-A at the outset of 2026, but it's also possible that they want to see more development with the bat first.
OF Harold Rivas
Ranked No. 20 in the organization by BA, Rivas is just 17. Signed at the international signing period in 2025, he spent 46 games with the Dominican Summer League Red Sox, hitting .258 with a .393 on-base percentage. He had two home runs, 20 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.
He's could begin his 2026 season at rookie ball as he adjusts to professional life in the United States.
SS Hector Ramos
Ranked No. 23 by BA, Ramos is another young prospect who spent last season with the DSL Red Sox. He hit four homers and drove in 25 runs while posting a .254 average and a .384 on-base percentage.
Also need to know
As of now outfielder/DH Masataka Yoshida is not a confirmed member of Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic. He wants to play, but he has been waiting on approval. Evidently, that hasn't come at this time. The tournament begins March 4.
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