Red Sox prospect James Tibbs III (acquired in Rafael Devers trade) homers for first time with new organization

Tibbs finished the day going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, one walk, and one strikeout as Portland fell to New Hampshire, 10-5. The left-handed hitting 22-year-old is now batting .286/.378/.397 (127 wRC+) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, five RBIs, 10 runs scored, two stolen bases, nine walks, and 15 strikeouts in 16 games (74 plate appearances) for the Sea Dogs.

Defensively, Tibbs has been splitting his playing time with Portland between first base and right field. In addition to making three starts at first base, the 6-foot, 201-pounder has logged 107 innings in right field, where he has recorded one assist and committed one error in 23 chances. He has also started one game at DH.

Tibbs was one of four players the Red Sox acquired from the Giants for Devers (and the remainder of his $313.5 million contract) in a stunning move on June 15, joining left-hander Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, and pitching prospect Jose Bello. The Georgia native was selected by San Francisco with the 13th overall pick in last summer’s draft out of Florida State (where he earned 2024 ACC Player of the Year honors). He netted a $4,747,500 signing bonus and was playing for High-A Eugene at he time he was traded, so he received a promotion upon switching organizations for the first time in his young career.

Tibbs, who does not turn 23 until October, is currently regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 9 prospect, while MLB Pipeline has him ranked sixth and SoxProspects.com has him ranked eighth.