July Players of the Month: Franklin Arias and Juan Valera
Arias, the No. 8 prospect in the organization, batted a ridiculous .405/.510/.696 with six doubles, one triple, five home runs, 16 RBIs, 23 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, 16 walks, and 11 strikeouts in 25 games (96 plate appearances) between the FCL Red Sox and Salem last month. The right-handed hitting 18-year-old was recognized as SoxProspects.com's Player of the Week for the third time this season for what he did during the week of July 15-21.
A native of Venezuela, Arias originally signed with Boston for $525,000 as an international free agent coming out of Caracas in January 2023. The projectable 5-foot-11, 170-pounder was initially seen as a glove-first shortstop when he went pro but has since emerged as one of the more exciting, young prospects in the organization. In his first 10 games with Salem, he has slashed .171/.275/.371 with two home runs and seven RBIs while splitting his playing time on the field between second base and shortstop.
Valera, meanwhile, was promoted from the FCL to Salem on the same day Arias was (July 23). The 18-year-old righty posted a 0.86 ERA and 2.07 FIP with 22 strikeouts to just three walks in five starts (21 innings) between the two affiliates last month. Opposing hitters batted .104 against him. Like Arias, Valera was named SoxProspects.com's Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 15-21. He has not allowed a run to cross the plate since July 4.
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Valera originally signed with Boston for $45,000 as an international free agent coming out of Sabana Grande de Palenque in April 2023. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound hurler is still on the raw side but already operates with two intriguing pitches in a 93-97 mph fastball and an 83-85 mph slider. At present, he is regarded as the No. 27 prospect in the organization after beginning the season unranked.
Photo Credit: Franklin Arias and Juan Valera by Kelly O'Connor