X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2014 Boston Red Sox Top Prospects: Fantasy Baseball Analysis

The defending World Series champs boast one of the deepest farm systems in baseball-- and therein lies the problem. Boston's top prospects have some pretty stiff competition, both from each other and from the 25 men that form the roster that took home baseball’s biggest prize last October. Beyond the two youngsters slated for starting roles, its hard to say with any certainty which of the Red Sox prospects will be contributors in 2014,but given their respective talent levels, it behooves you to familiarize yourself with all of them.

  

Xander Bogaerts - Shortstop

Xander Bogaerts Boston Red Sox MLB News

Talent 10 / Opportunity 9.5

Highest 2013 Level: MLB

By now you’ve probably heard of Xander Bogaerts. As far as prospects go, it doesn't get much better than the 21-year-old shortstop. He’s a high-upside bat, all but assured of an everyday job playing a position thoroughly lacking in fantasy talent. The only thing that prevents Xander from earning a perfect 10 / 10 score is the remote chance that the Red Sox bring Stephen Drew back to play short-- and even then, Bogaerts would probably play enough short to earn himself eligibility and enough third to make himself fantasy relevant. He’s only 21, so expectations must be tempered, but shortstops capable of hitting 30 home runs and batting .300 don’t come along that often. Target Xander in the middle rounds of your draft and earlier in keeper formats.

 

Jackie Bradley - Center Fielder

Talent 7.5 / Opportunity 8.0

Highest 2013 Level: MLB

The signing of Grady Sizemore certainly knocks Bradley’s opportunity score down a notch, though perhaps not as much as some people think. Even in an optimal scenario, Sizemore’s injury history will prevent him from becoming an everyday player. And given that the Sox have long viewed Bradley as their centerfielder of the future. Jackie should have every chance to prove himself at the big-league level. While Bradley’s glove is his most impressive tool, he’s no slouch at the plate. He doesn't project to hit 20 home runs or steal 30 bases, but he’s capable of hitting for a high average with good on-base skills and some modest power. He probably doesn't need to be drafted, but should Sizemore fall victim to injury, and should Bradley establish himself as legitimate on-base threat, he could eventually score runs in bunches at the top of a potent Red Sox lineup.

 

Garin Cecchini - 3rd Baseman

Talent 8 / Opportunity 5

Highest 2013 Level: AA

Cecchini is an interesting prospect that’s gained some buzz among Red Sox fans over the last six or so months. In a breakout 2013 campaign, he demonstrated elite on-base and hitting tools (.322/.443/.471 across two levels), and even managed to steal an impressive 26 bases. While he mustered only seven home runs, most scouts think that there’s more power to come, especially given how often he squares the ball up. Cecchini finished 2013 in Double-A, but with Will Middlebrooks having fallen out of favor with the Red Sox front office, it's not inconceivable that Cecchini could see some time in the Show in the second half of 2014. Don’t draft him, but be ready to pounce should opportunity knock.

 

Henry Owens - SP

Talent 8.5 / Opportunity 3

Highest 2013 Level: AA

What Owens lacks in opportunity, he makes up for in talent. Owens is a polished lefty with an impressive three-pitch repertoire (low-90s fastball, solid curveball, plus changeup) and solid command. While he’s a potential #2 starter, he has yet to rise above the Double-A level, and is therefore effectively a year or two in development time behind the other four arms on this list. The likelihood of him contributing in 2014 is not high, but he’s not as far away as he seems, and his talent makes him a player worth monitoring.

 

Allen Webster - SP

Talent 7 / Opportunity 5

Highest 2013 Level: MLB

After coming over from the Dodgers with a top-prospect billing in the 2012 Crawford/Beckett/Gonzalez blockbuster, Webster had an up-and-down 2013. He showed flashes of brilliance in AAA, and even showed some real promise in his first major league start last April, but he struggled mightily in his six MLB appearances thereafter (8.60 season ERA with the big club). He’s probably just a tick behind Workman on the depth chart, but with better raw stuff (mid-90s sinking fastball, plus changeup), he’s just as fantasy relevant. He’ll need to improve his command and breaking ball, but he certainly bears watching in 2014.

 

Brandon Workman - SP

Talent 5 / Opportunity 6

Highest 2013 Level: MLB

While probably the least talented pitcher of this group, Workman is likely the next in line for starts should two of the Red Sox’ top six starters suffer injuries. Workman got the call for three starts in 2013 and ended up sticking around as a very effective reliever through the Sox’ playoff run (0 ER in 8.2 playoff innings). Despite a rough patch in September, the Sox liked what they saw from Workman, and have indicated they’ll stretch him out this spring to provide added roster flexibility going forward. As a righty with a herky-jerky delivery coming from a three-quarters arm slot, he doesn't have the look of a prototypical starter, but having demonstrated the ability to miss bats at the major league level (47 K in 41.2 innings), he’s worth keeping your eye on.

 

Matt Barnes - P

Talent 7.5 / Opportunity 4

Highest 2013 Level: AAA

Barnes is a right hander with an elite high-90s fastball, but like so many other pitchers of his ilk, he needs to work on the command and consistency of his secondary offerings. His arm makes him an intriguing prospect, but he’s got some more development to display before the Sox will give him the opportunity to contribute in the Show.

 

Anthony Ranaudo - P

Talent 7.5 / Opportunity 4

Highest 2013 Level: AAA

Once considered a potential top-five pick in the amateur draft, Ranaudo’s stock took a huge hit in his junior year at LSU after injuries and ineffectiveness cast doubt in the minds of MLB GMs. Ranaudo then struggled in his first two years in the Red Sox system, but he made major strides in 2013, earning his way to AAA. He’s a huge (6'7") righthander with a good fastball and impressive curve, but he lacks overall command and consistency. Like Barnes, he’s not worth drafting but has enough upside to warrant a spot on your watch list.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
NHL

Dan Vladar Links Up with Flyers on Two-Year Deal
NHL

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact with Oilers
NHL

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
NHL

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NHL

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NHL

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
NHL

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
NHL

Vladislav Gavrikov Inks Seven-Year Deal with Rangers
NHL

Tanner Jeannot Moves to Boston
NHL

Corey Perry Joins Kings on One-Year Deal
K'Andre Miller

Hurricanes Pick Up K'Andre Miller
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Houston Rockets

Jeff Green Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF