State of the Sox: While team attempts course correction, a future star at SS looms in minors

A season ago, most of the first-half Red Sox talk centered around the pending arrivals of Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony. The two were so highly-rated, so anticipated, that their imminent promotions at times almost threatened to consume the team. When the two did get to Boston, they were met with reminders that star-billing doesn’t always translate to immediate success.

Both struggled, and while Anthony eventually played to his capability, both saw their seasons cut short by injuries. BETTING: For Friday’s contest against Minnesota, Red Sox moneyline is listed at -155 on BetMGM . Our complete BetMGM Sportsbook review shows you how to sign up and get started.

This year, with each beginning their first full seasons in the big leagues, the failures of the major league club led to a staff upheaval at the end of April . Worse, while Mayer has largely scuffled, Anthony is again sidelined by injury. The team’s failures on the field, meanwhile, have dampened any discussion about rushing this year’s model from the minors.

That the Worcester roster lacks an elite position player prospect is another factor. But at other levels, baseball life goes on. And not far away — from a geographic and competitive standpoint — waits the organization’s next potential star: shortstop Franklin Arias at Portland, who, with the ascension of Payton Tolle, is now the team’s top-ranked prospect.