The Boston Red Sox could be forced to promote their top prospect ahead of schedule. Franklin Arias recently jumped to the top of the team’s prospect list after Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer graduated. The 20-year-old middle infielder is widely viewed as Boston’s shortstop of the future. After all, the highly rated budding star has risen quickly from rookie ball to AA.
Nevertheless, the future may come sooner than expected. At the moment, Trevor Story is the Red Sox’s undisputed top shortstop. The star previously signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the club ahead of the 2022 season. This came after Story was a perennial MVP candidate with the Colorado Rockies. The move, however, has not aged well. Story has struggled to stay healthy during his time with Boston.
Even when he is fit, Story has also mostly underperformed at the plate. So far this season, the star is slashing .203/.243/.285 in 39 games. Because of these struggles, there has been speculation that the Red Sox could designate Story for assignment. The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, however, has poured cold water on this idea. Instead, McCaffrey claims that Boston offloading Story via a trade is the more likely scenario.
If this is the case, the Red Sox would have Arias waiting in the wings. According to MLB.com, the highly rated prospect’s estimated time of arrival in Boston is 2027. McCaffrey admits that Red Sox officials would prefer not to promote the youngster just yet. The writer, however, does claim that Arias could land with the Red Sox by the end of the current campaign.
Franklin Arias is Impressing the Boston Red Sox in AA
GettyTrevor Story’s struggles in Boston could accelerate Franklin Arias’ arrival.
So far this season, Arias is slashing an impressive .367/.442/.684 with AA Portland. His 1.126 OPS is currently second-best in the entire Eastern League. Not only is he hitting, but the prospect is also playing solid defense at shortstop. In fact, Arias has only made one error in 170 total innings at the position during the current campaign. For comparison, Story has made four errors in 2026 after committing a league-leading 19 a year ago.
As McCaffrey points out, Arias should be promoted, assuming he continues to hit, to AAA Worcester by the All-Star break. This particular date is still two months away. If the prospect excels there, and depending on what happens with Story, the Boston Red Sox could look to call up Arias sometime after the trade deadline.
Boston Likely Has to Retain Some of Story’s Salary to Make Trade
Story is currently signed with the Boston Red Sox through the 2027 season. After triggering an opt-in clause, the shortstop will be paid a combined $50 million for this year and next. Because he is underperforming, few teams will be looking to acquire him straight up. Instead, Boston will likely have to sweeten a deal by either eating some salary or adding a prospect in any trade.
At the moment, interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy could opt to swap Story with second baseman Marcelo Mayer. Nevertheless, Tracy has claimed that this move is not yet on the horizon. Boston will more likely be hoping that Story can shake off his recent struggles before ultimately bringing up Arias to replace him.
Red Sox May Promote Top Prospect Ahead of Schedule as Star Struggles