Boston Red Sox prospect Franklin Arias walked into Fenway Park on Friday dressed for a ceremony rather than a game.
The Red Sox honored him as the organization’s minor league offensive player of the year, and the young infielder spent the afternoon in the stands instead of the dugout.
When the night ended, he headed back to Fort Myers, where Boston has assembled a stay-ready group of prospects and rehabbing players in case October creates an unexpected need.
Arias has not been added to the major-league roster. That decision is not the same as a closed door, as Keith Watkins of Heavy.com notes.
By keeping him off the 40-man list for now, the Red Sox preserve the ability to stay in contact with him if a lockout begins December 1.
They are also leaving themselves room to weigh whether one of the best hitters in the minors can help a postseason roster that still has holes.
The case for using him is not abstract. Boston’s second basemen hit .110/.226/.205 in September, among the weakest monthly marks at any position in baseball.
Arias is a middle infielder who just finished a season that turned him into one of the sport’s most discussed prospects.
He opened the year at Double-A Portland and slashed .318/.407/.587 with 19 home runs and 52 RBI in 75 games. Promoted to Triple-A Worcester in late July, he kept producing, batting .331/.388/.506 with six homers and 39 RBI in 42 games.
His 25 home runs across both levels topped the personal goal of 20 he set before the season. He also appeared in the All-Star Futures Game, and the award he collected Friday tracked with the production rather than surprising anyone who had watched him.
Speaking through an interpreter, Arias called the year unforgettable and said a major league opportunity now feels close. He also made clear that he is trying not to stare at the calendar.
“That’s why we’re down there in Fort Myers, because we want to stay ready,” Arias said. “If the call comes, it doesn’t take you by surprise. You’re ready and you’re prepared.”
That is the posture Boston wants from him as the club prepares for a Wild Card Series against the Yankees that begins Tuesday. The postseason roster will be set before Game 1.
Arias is working, staying sharp, and waiting. The Red Sox have not promised him October. They have also not ruled him out. If the phone rings in Florida, he has already said what he intends to do with the call.
