Red Sox

The 19-year-old shortstop is “electric” on both sides of the ball, Law wrote.

It’s no surprise that Roman Anthony is the top overall prospect in Keith Law’s latest top-50 MLB prospect rankings for the Athletic.

But, the Red Sox also have 19-year-old infield prospect in high-A Greenville that made a massive leap into Law’s top 10.

Franklin Arias, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound shortstop has gotten Law’s attention with his bat.

“Through Sunday, Arias was hitting .360/.406/.517 since his promotion to High A, and he’s still just 19 until November,” Law wrote. “He’s a true shortstop, he doesn’t punch out (8.3 percent at the higher level), and he has power.”

“It’s electric on both sides of the ball and if there’s a flaw in his game, pitchers through the High-A level haven’t exposed it yet.”

Arias began last season at No. 42 on Law’s preseason list. He has since jumped to No. 8 in the latest rankings. Kristian Campbell, who was in Law’s top-10 last year, made the Red Sox’ opening day roster this season.

“Leave it to the Red Sox to graduate a top-10 prospect (Kristian Campbell) and immediately have someone else replace him,” Law wrote.

Last week, the Red Sox called infielder Marcelo Mayer to the big leagues. They are also, reportedly, having daily discussions on when to promote Anthony to Boston.

Law noted that Arias is hitting a lot of ground balls (48 percent), but has shown the ability to drive balls and flash some power. He’s hitting .349 on the year with 11 doubles, a pair of home runs, and 26 RBI. He had nine home runs and 60 RBI last season.

The Red Sox signed Arias, who is from Venezuela, in 2023 as an international free agent. He earned a $525,000 signing bonus.

Last month, the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier wrote that Red Sox co-director of international scouting Rollie Pino was “captivated” watching Arias in 2021, citing plate discipline, hard contact, athleticism, instincts, and arm strength, although Arias was just 5-foot-9 and 145-pounds at the time.

He is considered to be one of the Red Sox’ top defensive infield prospects. Arias is currently the No. 3 ranked prospect in the Red Sox’ system behind Anthony and Mayer, according to MLB.com.

Along with Anthony and Arias, Red Sox outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia made Law’s list, coming in at No. 46. Nicknamed “The Password,” Garcia’s name was used as a clue during a recent Jeopardy! episode. Garcia has “plus” power, Law wrote, and his approach appears to be getting more refined as he gains experience.