Fall/Winter Roundup: Brannon highlights roster as Arizona Fall League kicks off
The 2024 minor league season has gone, but the coverage here on SoxProspects.com continues with our weekly updates on the goings-on of the many Fall and Winter Leagues. Boston has eight players assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League, which began play on Monday, October 7. This update covers game action through Sunday the 13th.
-----
Arizona Fall League
In previous seasons, many of the nationally-ranked players in the high minors in the Red Sox system would have been likely highlights in Arizona. Instead of stars like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, the 2024 contingent is composed mainly of players looking to either establish or re-establish their prospect status. Of the eight players sent by Boston, only catcher Brooks Brannon is currently ranked in the SoxProspects.com Top 60. Brannon appeared in four games for the Solar Sox, twice catching and two other times slotting in as the designated hitter. He was 3 for 16, striking out seven times. Speedy outfielders Caden Rose and Max Ferguson are Boston's other two position player representatives. Rose was just 3 for 15 but drew five walks on the week, scoring five runs and stealing a pair of bases. Ferguson was 6 for 19, including a 3-for-4 effort with a pair of RBI in Saturday's loss to Peoria.
Cooper Adams got the start for Mesa on Wednesday. The 2023 undrafted free agent had worked exclusively out of the bullpen from June onward, but went three innings and allowed two runs on four hits in three innings, getting credit for the win. Tyler Uberstine (pictured, above) ranked in the system's top 40 before getting sidetracked by 2023 Tommy John surgery, goes to Arizona after getting into three regular-season games with Greenville. Uberstine made two scoreless appearances of an inning apiece, allowing three hits and striking out two. Zach Fogell also appeared twice out of the Mesa bullpen. He was unscored upon in both outings and picked up a save in Saturdays winn. Danny Kirwin worked three innings in relief of Cooper on Wednesday, allowing a run on three hits in three innings, striking out five without issuing a walk. Conor Steinbaugh pitched a perfect frame in his only outing, striking out one.
-----
No Red Sox players are currently playing in the Mexican or Venezuelan Leagues. Domincan Winter League action is schedule to begin on Wednesday, while the Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico) League will kick off in November.
Photo Credit: Tyler Uberstine by Kelly O'Connor