Franklin Arias: Red Sox's Hot Shortstop Prospect

0:00It's April 20th. This is Boston Red Sox News today, powered by AI. Your team, your update. Red Sox fans, while the big league squad's been quiet early on, their farm systems popping off, especially a short stop for AA Portland. Franklin Aureus, the club's number two prospect, a 20-year-old phenom, is on fire at the plate. In his first 10 games and 30 at bats, he's slashing 0.467, 0.564, 0.833, with two doubles, three. Homers, nine RBI's, five walks, and just three strikeouts. He's always dazzled with elite defense of the middle, but now his bats catching up big time thanks to added strength and better swing mechanics. Signed as an international free agent from Venezuela on January 15th, 2023, Aureus already turned heads with manager Alex Cora during spring training cameos. Boston's senior director of player development, Brian Abraham, says Aureus bulked up for more bat speed and harder contact, plus he's honing pitch.

1:03Selection to pull balls in the air for damage. Abraham sees him as a complete hitter who gets on base, sprays the field, and impacts games in multiple ways. On defense, that glove's still gold, Aureus nails routines and boosts his range with growing athleticism. As he climbs toward the majors, the focus stays on refining those offensive tweaks and defensive polish. With this hot streak, Aureus looks primed to lock down shortstop in Boston for years. Keep an eye on this kid as he keeps mashing.