MLB news: Aaron Judge’s motivation for Yankees, Red Sox prospect, WBC records

Feb 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) singles during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) singles during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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A general view of an entrance to Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
A general view of an entrance to Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB news: Boston Red Sox prospect the next Ronald Acuña Jr.?

Ah, spring. The time when every team still has possibilities of reaching the postseason and players are in the best shape of their careers. It’s also a time when prospects are often glowed about in lofty terms.

Such is the case with the Boston Red Sox and 19-year-old prospect Miguel Bleis, a player who has yet to play in a level above the Florida Complex League. However, while he is young and plenty of challenges lie ahead, there is already praise coming in for his five-tool skills.

“This is obviously very, very best-case — this is like the 99.9th-percentile outcome,” Ian Cundall, director of scouting for SoxProspects.com, told NESN.com in this article, “is like Ronald Acuña-type talent.”

The comparison makes sense because the young outfielder has already said that Acuña is the type of player that he hopes to become.

Bleis slashed .301/.353/.542 in 153 FCL at-bats last season, smacking five homers and stealing 18 bases. It’s a small sample size, but those around Red Sox camp seem to have an eye on the native of the Dominican Republic and what he can bring to the field. It’s also one of the reasons why he has already rocketed up Boston’s prospect charts to fourth on the list, according to MLB.com.

While that site puts a timeline for Bleis to play at Fenway Park sometime in the 2026 campaign, there’s no question his skills and hopes are catching plenty of attention.