Heading into 2026, the Boston Red Sox are a generally healthy organization. The Sox made the playoffs in 2025 and then went out added established talent like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras this winter, as well as an upside pitcher in Johan Oviedo.
And in addition to that, the Red Sox have a strongly regarded farm system, with a mix of top-end talent that’s ready to contribute now and younger prospects that portend well for the future.
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On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel put out his Top 100 rankings heading into 2026, giving the Red Sox five prospects in the Top 100.
McDaniel has left-hander Payton Tolle ranked at No. 22, shortstop Franklin Arias at No. 36, lefty Connelly Early at No. 48, recent draftee Kyson Witherspoon at No. 67 and pitcher Juan Valera at No. 90.
Here’s what you need to know:
Now 23 years old, Tolle is a hard-throwing lefty who was drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of TCU. The former Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, he made his debut in 2025, going 0-1 with a 6.06 ERA in seven appearances. He struck out 19 hitters in 16.1 innings and will be one of the first in line should their be an injury to the rotation. He also has the ability to serve as a late-game reliever should Boston want to go that route.
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Just 20 years old, Arias spent most of his 2025 season at High-A Greenville, but he did spend 10 games at Double-A Portland. He hit .278 across three levels with eight homers and 66 RBIs.
A fifth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2023, Early went 10-3 in the minor leagues in 2025 with a 2.60 ERA before making his major league debut late in the season as well. In four appearances, he was 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA, and he started Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees as the Red Sox were eliminated.
Drafted 15th overall in 2025, Witherspoon hasn’t thrown a professional pitch yet. Just 21, he features a fastball that can reach 99 mph. He could be a quick riser through the system as MLB Pipeline projects him to make his major league debut in 2027.
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Now 19 years old, Valera was signed by the Red Sox in April of 2023 out of the Dominican Republic. He went 1-2 with a 5.45 ERA in 10 starts for High-A Greenville in 2025.
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