Red Sox release former top outfield prospect over the weekend
The Red Sox released a series of players from the organization over the weekend, including a former top outfield prospect in the system.
Boston released outfielder Gilberto Jimenez, who quickly shot up the prospect rankings after a strong 2019 season for the Low-A Lowell Spinners. Jimenez showed promise at the plate, slashing.359/.393/.470 with 11 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 19 RBIs, 35 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 13 walks, and 38 strikeouts in 59 games. He led the New York-Penn League in batting and was honored as an MiLB.com All-Star.
Jimenez missed the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic season being wiped out, and he wasn’t invited to the alternate training site. During the 2021 season, Jimenez picked up where he left off in 2019. He hit for average (.306) but didn’t produce much power. Entering the 2022 season, he was moved to High-A Greenville but failed to advance beyond that level.
In two seasons with the Drive, he managed a weak .672 OPS in 99 games. Last season, the Dominican native battled injuries, limiting him to just 48 games with three separate Red Sox’ affiliates.
During his time in the Red Sox organization, Jimenez batted .300/.342/.409 with 66 doubles, 21 triples, 16 home runs, 165 RBIs, 215 runs scored, 72 stolen bases, 77 walks, and 320 strikeouts over 367 minor-league games.
Jimenez will not turn 24 until July, so the likelihood that he will hook up with another organization to refocus on his development is certainly possible.
In addition to releasing Jimenez, Boston released minor league infielders Lyonell James and Joe Dunand, right-handed pitchers Maceo Campbell and Garrett Ramsey.
Durand struggled in Grapefruit League action this spring, he went 1-for-16 in 15 games before being reassigned to minor league camp. The 28-year-old is a former Marlins second-round pick with three MLB games under his belt.
