One of the best events during MLB spring training is the “Spring Breakout” showdown — 16 games featuring all of the top prospects in baseball from every team. We get to see the best of the best prospects square off, and it is a unique experience you rarely get during a minor league season.
The Boston Red Sox have one of the best farm systems in baseball and have three of the top 12 prospects in baseball, all of whom will be on display during the Spring Breakout — but a lesser-known prospect may be the one to watch.
Red Sox Expect Big Things From Justin Gonzales in 2025
Beyond Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, referred to as Boston’s “Big 3,” the Red Sox have another rising star to watch in Spring Breakout: Justin Gonzales. Though he may not yet be a household name, he is on the path to becoming a future impact player.
According to MLB.com, Gonzales “signed for $250,000 out of the Dominican Republic in January 2024 [and] debuted by slashing .320/.391/.517 with 20 extra-base hits and eight steals over 47 games in the rookie-level Dominican Summer League.”
At 18 years old, he has a long way to go until he reaches the majors, but he has been an intriguing prospect to monitor, lauded for his raw power and elite exit velocities.
Gonzales is expected to begin the 2025 season in the lower levels of Boston’s farm system. However, if he continues producing at a high level, he could advance quickly.
Homegrown Boston Red Sox Talent
A key to sustained MLB success is drafting and developing homegrown talent. Boston has done a great job of that over the past decade, a catalyst behind their numerous successful seasons. Notable talent to emerge out of Boston includes Mookie Betts, Rafael Devers, and Jarren Duran.
Betts helped the Red Sox win a World Series before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Meanwhile, Devers has been one of the Red Sox’ best players since entering the league in 2017, and he is still in the prime of his career. As for Duran, he had a breakout season last year and won the All-Star Game MVP in 2024.