Chaim Bloom, the former chief baseball officer of the Boston Red Sox, spent a large portion of his time selecting and nurturing elite prospects in order to build a new generation of core players for the team following a few disappointing seasons.
Bloom was all about creating a future that is sustainable. And while he did not do enough to establish competition on the big-league roster, it looks like his long-term goals are being realized. Both of his highest-drafted players, who are both extremely promising players, are fiercely vying for the top spot in the farm system.
Shortstop Marcelo Mayer has been replaced as the organization’s top prospect by outfielder Roman Anthony, per the most recent rankings published by Sox Prospects. Because it tracks the team much more closely and has access to much more accurate data, the website consistently outperforms national rankings.
A year ago, Anthony was not considered as the top prospect; however, in 2023, he experienced a meteoric rise. The teenager, 19, struck.272 with 45 extra-base hits in 106 games last season, working his way up from Single-A Salem to Double-A Portland. He also had 14 home runs, 64 RBIs, and a.869 OPS.
However, Chris Hatfield of the Sox Prospects acknowledged that Anthony’s ascent, not Mayer’s decline, was the focus of this move.
In 78 games between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, Mayer hit.236 with 19 extra-base hits, including seven home runs, 54 RBIs, and a.739 OPS. Mayer’s stats fell off when he signed with the Sea Dogs, in contrast to Anthony. He was a great shortstop throughout, but nagging injuries contributed to some of his decline.
As the next Red Sox core begins to take shape, it will be interesting to watch the two elite prospects battle at the same level for the Sea Dogs in 2019.
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