Red Sox prospect Juan Valera took a massive leap in 2024
During the 2024 campaign, the Red Sox got impressive performance from pitching prospects throughout the system. That list includes Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, and Yordanny Monegro. However, one player who saw their stock skyrocket is Juan Valera. Earlier this week, Valera was listed as one of three breakout prospects for the Red Sox heading into the 2025 season by Baseball America.Â
In 18 games during the 2024 campaign, Valera posted a 1.99 ERA and struck out 68 batters. He also held opponents to a .125 batting average and added one hold to his resume. While splitting time between two levels, the talented 18-year-old was hard to face and one of the best relievers in the system.Â
What stood out about Valera’s season was that he thrived against advanced competition. After starting the season in the Florida Complex League, Valera was promoted to Low-A on July 23rd. He only appeared in seven games for the Salem Red Sox, but in that span, Valera allowed six earned runs in 23 innings. He continued to show excellent control, allowing one home run.Â
Due to his stellar play, MLB.Com ranks Valera as the 20th-best prospect in the Red Sox system. That ranking could change if he continues to build on his success. He is expected to start the upcoming season in Salem, where he made a good first impression.Â
As Valera looks to prove that last year was no fluke, he has an arsenal to rely on that should only improve. His pitch mix includes a fastball that tops out at 99 miles per hour and a slider that keeps hitters off balance. He also possesses a changeup that still needs to develop but tops out in the high 80s.
When the regular season begins, Valera will have more eyes on him than ever before. During the 2024 campaign, he showed that he could be a valuable piece and more than just people inside the Red Sox organization are taking notice.Â