Brainer Bonaci has shown encouraging signs in the minors
With pitchers and catchers having officially reported to spring training, baseball is in the air. For the Red Sox, it has been an offseason of change that has created question marks at some key spots. While the next few weeks should provide answers, there are some promising prospects in the minors. That includes Brainer Bonaci.
The former international free agent is currently ranked as the Red Sox’s 15th-best prospect. In 108 games last season, Bonaci posted a .262 batting average and recorded 31 extra-base hits. As his playing time increased, he was a threat on the basepaths with a career-high 28 stolen bases.
While Bonaci showed some encouraging signs offensively, he struggled at times in the field. In 812 innings he committed 17 errors with 11 of those coming at second base. He also turned 41 double plays and recorded 246 assists while spending time in the infield and outfield.
Although the 20-year-old struggled at second, he was not an easy matchup for opponents. Bonaci added 89 walks to his resume and recorded a career-high .782 OPS. His ability to get on base stood out the most in the 2022 campaign.
After finishing last season at Single-A, Bonaci could see time at Portland this season. He has seen his stock rise due to his offense, which will need to continue when the regular season starts. The talented infielder has an intriguing mix of power and speed.
With the minor league season quickly approaching, Bonaci will be a player to keep an eye on. The Red Sox infield is full of talent at each level. That leaves Bonaci with little room for error. In the majors, he projects to be a utility player that will provide average defense with a plus arm.
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Over the next few months, Bonaci will be looking to prove why he should be part of the future. If he can build on his 2022 campaign, then his stock should rise.
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