Red Sox release infield prospect following year-long off-field suspension
The Red Sox are releasing talented infield prospect Brainer Bonaci, one year after being suspended for a serious off-field matter. He was suspended for violating the minor-league domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. The nature of his violation remains unknown.
Bonaci, 22, was a fast-rising infielder within the Red Sox system and put together a solid 2023 season split between High-A and Double-A. In his final season with the Red Sox organization, Bonaci hit .297 with 11 homers, 45 homers, 30 walks, seven stolen bases, 18 doubles, one triple, and recorded a .818 OPS. Defensively, he’s seen time at second base, third base, shortstop, and left field.
Bonaci was placed on the reserve list and sent back home on “administrative leave.” He played two games in the Arizona Fall League last year before he was placed back on the restricted list for violating a policy.
The Red Sox signed Bonaci for $290,000 as an international free agent out of Venezuela in July 2018. Baseball America ranked Bonaci as the team’s No. 16 prospect in 2023.
Prior to his off-the-field issues, Bonaci was once considered a top-15 Red Sox prospect. MLB Pipeline wrote the following about Bonaci:
Though Bonaci has slowed as he has gotten stronger and is now a fringy-to-average runner, he remains one of the best infield defenders and has one of the strongest arms in the system. His instincts and quick first step still give him solid range to both sides at shortstop, though he played more second base last season as a teammate of 2021 No. 4 overall pick Marcelo Mayer. He also saw action at third and even played an inning in right field.
A switch-hitter, Bonaci has been a different hitter in 2023 after being too passive and making too much soft contact in the past. Stronger and more aggressive than ever, he's turning on more pitches, hitting the ball with more authority, and showing 15-homer potential. If he can keep this up, he'll provide enough offense to profile as an everyday player.
At the end of last season, MLB Pipleline and Baseball America ranked Bonaci as the Sox’ No. 11 overall prospect in their system.
