An updated look at the Red Sox’ top 10 prospects after the Crochet trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox used their revamped farm system to complete a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

They reportedly acquired left-hander Garrett Crochet in exchange for catcher Kyle Teel (No. 4 prospect according to Sox Prospects.com), outfielder Braden Montgomery (No. 5), infielder Chase Meidroth (No. 8) and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez (No. 18). While this is a nice haul for Chicago, it gives Boston a much-needed ace while maintaining one of the best farm systems in baseball.

With four prospects no longer in the picture, including two from the top five, here’s an updated look at Boston’s top 10 after the Crochet deal (all rankings via SoxProspects.com).

1. Roman Anthony, OF

Not only is Anthony Boston’s top prospect, he’s also the No. 1 prospect in the sport (according to Baseball America). The left-handed hitting 20-year-old finished the 2024 season at Triple-A Worcester, where he posted a .983 OPS with 12 doubles and three home runs in 35 games.

Although he is expected to start the 2025 season in Worcester, he has a legitimate chance to make the big league roster out of spring training if Boston clears its logjam in the outfield. Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela currently make up the Red Sox starting outfield, with Rob Refsnyder the fourth outfielder on the depth chart.

2. Marcelo Mayer, SS

Mayer lost his status as the No. 1 Red Sox prospect to Anthony, but he still has the potential to be a big league star. The 22-year-old shortstop hit 28 doubles and eight home runs for an .850 OPS in 77 games at Double-A Portland last season. He was called up to Triple-A along with fellow seniors Anthony, Teel and Campbell, but did not appear in any games for Worcester due to a season-ending lumbar strain.

It was Mayer’s second straight year with a season-ending injury, which is a concern as he looks to make the MLB roster in 2025. If injury problems continue next season, Boston might regret not signing him on loan while his value was still at its peak.

3. Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF

Campbell made a name for himself as MLB’s biggest breakout candidate in 2024. He was named Minor League Player of the Year after posting a .997 OPS in Boston’s minor league ranks with 32 doubles and 20 home runs in 115 games. He came practically from nowhere to become the Red Sox’ third best player, although many would argue he was the most talented player in their pipeline.

With Boston’s starting second baseman job up for grabs in 2025, Campbell’s rise to the big leagues could continue in early 2025. He will likely compete with fellow youngster Vaughn Grissom for the role.

4. Luis Perales, RHP

Perales earned a spot on Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list before suffering a season-ending elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Before the injury, the hard-throwing 21-year-old posted a 2.94 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 33.2 innings (nine starts). Despite his unfortunate setback, he remains the Red Sox’ top pitching prospect.

5. Franklin Arias, SS

While Campbell garnered most of the attention, Arias’ breakout 2024 season shouldn’t be overlooked. The 19-year-old excelled with the glove at shortstop and second base, posting an .896 OPS and stealing 35 bases in 87 games between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Salem. If Anthony, Mayer and Campbell reach the majors next year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arias take over as the organization’s top prospect.

6. Miguel Bleis, OF

Bleis has real five-tool talent, but simply hasn’t shown his true potential since his 2022 FCL season. Injuries have been a factor, so he will look to stay healthy and re-establish himself as one of the league’s most exciting prospects in 2025.

In 2024, Bleis hit 16 doubles and 11 home runs for a .657 OPS in 95 games between Low-A Salem and High-A Greenville.

7. Yoeilin Cespedes, SS

Cespedes is another candidate who could eventually take over the organization’s No. 1 job if he can stay healthy, which he failed to do in 2024. The 19-year-old shortstop slashed .319/.400/.615 with 10 doubles and five home runs in 25 FCL games before suffering a season-ending hand injury. He will be one of the most intriguing Sox prospects to watch in 2025.

8. Hunter Dobbins, RHP

Dobbins is not yet a household name among Red Sox fans, but likely will be in 2025. The 25-year-old was named Boston’s 2024 Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year after posting a 3.08 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 25 starts (125.2 innings pitched). With Perales on the mend, it shouldn’t be long before Dobbins overtakes him as the organization’s No. 1 pitching prospect.

9. Richard Fitts, RHP

Fitts was acquired from the New York Yankees last offseason as part of the deal that sent Alex Verdugo to the Bronx. The soon-to-be 25-year-old had an up-and-down year at Triple-A Worcester before moving up to the majors, where he impressed in his short time. In four starts for Boston, Fitts posted a 1.74 ERA.

We will almost certainly see Fitts at the top club more often in 2025.

10. Payton Tolle, LHP

The Red Sox selected Tolle in the second round of the 2024 draft out of TCU, where he was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 250-pound southpaw was a two-way player who recently began focusing solely on pitching. His development will be worth watching in the lower levels of the minors next year.