Red Sox to send eight minor-leaguers to Arizona Fall League

Of the eight that make up the Red Sox’ contingent, Brannon is perhaps the most notable. The 20-year-old is currently regarded by MLB Pipeline as the No. 27 prospect in Boston’s farm system. He was originally selected in the ninth round of the 2022 draft out of Randleman High School (N.C.) and forwent his commitment to the University of North Carolina by signing for an over-slot $712,500.

After a low back strain limited him to just 17 games last year, Brannon opened the 2024 campaign on the 60-day injured list due to a knee issue. The right-handed-hitter spent a few weeks rehabbing in the Florida Complex League before joining Low-A Salem in early June. He then batted .251/.326/.396 with eight doubles, two triples, six home runs, 24 RBIs, 22 runs scored, five stolen bases, 23 walks, and 67 strikeouts in 54 games (230 plate appearances) for the Red Sox. From behind the plate, he threw out 13 of 69 possible base stealers.

Sticking with the position players, Ferguson missed much of the season with an ankle injury that sidelined him for more than four months. In 28 games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, the left-handed hitting 25-year-old slashed just .152/.255/.272 with two doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs, 14 runs scored, six stolen bases, 13 walks, and 30 strikeouts over 106 plate appearances. He was originally selected by the Padres in the fifth round of the 2021 draft out of Tennessee but was traded to the Red Sox with Eric Hosmer and Corey Rosier for Jay Groome the following August.

Rose, like Brannon and Ferguson, also spent time on the 60-day injured list this season after being taken by the Red Sox in the seventh round of the 2023 draft out of Alabama. The right-handed hitting 22-year-old struggled out of the gate for High-A Greenville (.619 OPS in 25 games) but posted a .353/.476/.529 line with six doubles, seven RBIs, nine runs scored, three stolen bases, five walks, and 10 strikeouts in 10 games (42 plate appearances) for Salem upon returning to action late last month.

On the pitching front, Uberstine stands out given the fact that he only recently returned to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. A former 19th-round draft selection out of Northwestern in 2021, the 25-year-old joined Greenville in late August and allowed one earned run on five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts in three starts (4 2/3 innings) for the Drive. He was promoted to Portland on September 10 but spent the rest of the season on the Sea Dogs’ development list.

Fogell, Boston’s 18th-round selection in the 2023 draft out of Connecticut, spent much of his first full professional season with Greenville after being promoted from Salem in early April. In 33 appearances for the Drive, the 24-year-old Rhode Island native posted a 3.32 ERA and 4.52 FIP with 67 strikeouts to 32 walks over 57 innings of relief in which he held opposing hitters to a .212 batting average.

Adams, Kirwin, and Steinbaugh signed with the Red Sox as undrafted free agents in February, April, and March, respectively. Adams, 24, posted a 5.08 ERA (5.48 FIP) with 59 strikeouts to 37 walks in 26 outings (six starts) spanning 79 2/3 innings for Greenville. Kirwin, also 24, produced a 3.63 ERA (3.65 FIP) with 69 strikeouts to 24 walks in 20 outings (five starts) spanning 69 1/3 innings for Salem. Steinbaugh, 25, was assigned to Salem from Greenville in early May and put up a 2.86 ERA (3.65 FIP) with 52 strikeouts to 19 walks in 20 appearances (one start) spanning 56 2/3 innings after that.

In addition to sending eight players, the Red Sox will be dispatching one coach and one athletic trainer to Arizona as well. Sean Isaac, who has served as Portland’s pitching coach in each of the last two seasons, was named to Mesa’s coaching staff under manager Andy Schatzley. Marissa Sciabarra, who has served as Boston’s Florida Complex League athletic trainer in each of the last two seasons, was named to the Solar Sox’ support staff.

The 2024 Arizona Fall League regular season begins on October 7 and runs through November 14. The annual Fall Stars game is scheduled for November 9 while the championship game will be held on November 16 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.