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Franklin Arias Trending to be Next Red Sox Superstar
Franklin Arias Trending to be Next Red Sox Superstar
Franklin Arias Trending to be Next Red Sox Superstar originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The big hope for young high-ranking prospects is that the power comes.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt's easy to dream on a ballplayer who has speed, and quick hands, and a good arm, and a smooth bat. Sometimes, they just haven't grown into their body yet. They can make solid contact, but it doesn't leave the yard.
If things go right, the power shows up, and they become a superstar.
For Franklin Arias, the power has arrived.
And while nothing is a given in this difficult game, Arias has a chance to be the next Boston Red Sox superstar.
The 20-year old shortstop from Venezuela just hit his 18th home run of the season at Double-A Portland.
In his entire minor league career before this season, he had 18 homers.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis is the breakthrough that pushes Arias from a starting-level player into a potential All-Star.
He hardly strikes out -- less than 13% of his plate appearances.
He also has already played both shortstop and second base in the minor leagues, giving him some potential flexibility.
For Arias, it was always going to be about how much the bat developed. And right now, hitting better than .330 with the most power he's had in his life, Arias looks like he'll be on the fast track to the major leagues, where he might just hit the ground running, too.