Arizona Fall League Preview: Boston Red Sox
By James Collins ·
Mason White Brings His Power to the AFL
Mason White, a 23-year-old shortstop, is set to join the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. White, ranked 40th in the Red Sox system and 1,049th overall by 80Grade, had a mixed 2026 campaign split between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. His combined line of .251/.353/.480 with 18 home runs across 101 games shows his power, but his 24.8% strikeout rate points to ongoing contact concerns, and that rate climbed to 30.2% in 33 games at Portland.
White's AFL stint gives him a platform to refine his contact skills against advanced pitching. Power is his standout tool, backed by a sturdy frame and good bat speed. The swing-and-miss and his defensive fit are the areas to watch, since his range points to second base or a utility role more than shortstop, and he split his 2026 games almost evenly between the two middle-infield spots.
Antonio Anderson Seeks Consistency
Antonio Anderson, a 21-year-old third baseman, is another key prospect for the Mesa Solar Sox. He hit .273/.373/.453 with 9 homers in 85 games at High-A Greenville in 2026, a big step forward from the .212 he hit there in 2025, though his 23% strikeout rate shows there is still work to do against advanced pitching.
The AFL is a chance for Anderson to solidify his approach and show he can sustain that performance. His switch-hitting and plate discipline give him a foundation, but developing more in-game power and reducing strikeouts will shape his projection as a corner infielder, after a season split between third base and first base.
Caden Vire's Road to Recovery
Left-hander Caden Vire, age 23, joins the AFL after a challenging season in which he logged just 14⅔ innings between the Florida Complex League and Single-A Salem after coming off the 60-day injured list in late July. With an 11.66 ERA and a 30.9% walk rate, Vire's command issues are evident, but his 24.7% strikeout rate suggests potential if his control improves.
Vire's AFL assignment is a chance to regain rhythm and refine his mechanics after the injury. Harnessing his strike-throwing and developing a more consistent delivery will determine his future role.
Harry Blum Looks for Strikes
At 25, right-hander Harry Blum enters the AFL after his first season in the Red Sox system, having signed as a free agent in February. His best outing came in April, a three-inning appearance for High-A Greenville in which he allowed no hits and struck out five, but most of his work came at Single-A Salem, and he finished with a 6.41 ERA across 66 combined innings.
Blum's AFL stint will focus on command, after he walked 19.6% of the batters he faced during the season. His ability to consistently execute his pitches and improve his efficiency will be under the spotlight.
Nazzan Zanetello's Athletic Tools on Display
Nazzan Zanetello, a 21-year-old second baseman, brings notable athleticism to the Mesa Solar Sox. He posted a .254/.365/.500 line with 7 home runs in 36 games, a season limited by an injured-list stint that kept him out until late July, but his 36.5% strikeout rate shows the need for offensive adjustments.
Zanetello's performance in the AFL will be important as he tries to show that his athletic tools can translate into consistent production. His defensive versatility and speed are assets, but improving his contact will decide his professional future.
Quick Hits: Other Red Sox AFL Participants
Madinson Frias, a 21-year-old right-hander, will look to refine his skills after posting a 6.68 ERA with a 15.4% strikeout rate in eight games at Single-A Salem before going on the injured list in late May. His development in the AFL could hinge on improving his command and limiting home runs, after he allowed six in 31 innings.
Nicholas Judice, 25, enters the AFL after a 9.49 ERA over 12⅓ innings at Single-A Salem, all of it after he came off the 60-day injured list in August. Known for a fastball that reaches 97 mph, Judice will focus on refining his command and expanding his pitch arsenal to enhance his relief potential.
Trennor O'Donnell, also 25, aims to capitalize on his AFL opportunity after a 6.69 ERA season that began on the 60-day injured list. His repeatable delivery and four-pitch mix will be tested as he looks to prove his durability and consistency.
The most significant fall assignment for the Red Sox is Mason White. He hit .208 with a 30.2% strikeout rate in his first 33 games at Double-A, and his contact against advanced pitching will decide whether his power plays in a utility role or more.