Red Sox Prospects Who Can Still Make an MLB Impact in 2023

The Boston Red Sox currently reside at the bottom of the AL East standings, but they are within striking distance of a winning record and could still push to contend during the second half of the season.

While they could pursue outside additions at the deadline, they also have some in-house reinforcements who could provide a boost in the coming months to both the lineup and the pitching staff.

Ahead, we've highlighted three prospects who can still make an MLB impact in 2023, focusing solely on players who have not yet appeared in the majors.

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Prospects who have already seen MLB action: LHP Chris Murphy

LHP Shane Drohan

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WORCESTER, MA - MAY 18: Worcester Red Sox LHP Shane Drohan (15) throws a pitch in his AAA debut during a AAA MiLB game between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Worcester Red Sox on May 18, 2023, at Polar Park in Worcester, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Left-hander Shane Drohan established himself as a prospect to watch last season when he tallied 157 strikeouts in 129.2 innings between High-A and Double-A, and he has continued to impress in the upper levels of the minors this year.

The 24-year-old started the year going 5-0 with a 1.32 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 36 strikeouts in 34 innings at Double-A to earn a quick promotion to Triple-A. And after a rocky first few starts at that level, he is starting to hit his stride.

Over his last three starts, he has gone 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA and .186 opponents batting average in 16.2 innings, though he has also walked 13 hitters during that span and will need to improve his command.

IF/OF David Hamilton

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WORCESTER, MA - MAY 05: Worcester Red Sox infielder David Hamilton (5) takes an at bat during a AAA MiLB game between the Buffalo Bisons and the Worcester Red Sox on May 5, 2023, at Polar Park in Worcester, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Speedy infielder David Hamilton was an eighth-round pick in the 2019 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Red Sox acquired him prior to the 2022 season in the Hunter Renfroe-for-Jackie Bradley Jr. swap.

The 25-year-old hit .251/.338/.402 with 37 extra-base hits and 70 steals in 119 games at Double-A last year, and he is showcasing more power this season with another move up the ladder.

Hamilton has an .853 OPS with 11 home runs and 26 steals in 47 games at Triple-A Worcester while seeing time at second base, shortstop and in center field. That versatility could be his ticket to getting his first shot in the big leagues.

2B Nick Yorke

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Nick Yorke #7 of the Scottsdale Scorpions bats during the game between the Surprise Saguaros and the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium on Monday, October 10, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Red Sox reached for Nick Yorke relative to pre-draft rankings when they selected him with the No. 17 overall pick in 2020.

The 21-year-old hit .325/.412/.516 with 20 doubles, 14 home runs, 62 RBI and 13 steals in 97 games between Single-A and High-A in his pro debut. And while his stock dipped a bit during a down year last year, he rebounded with a stellar run in the Arizona Fall League.

That strong conclusion to the 2022 season has carried over to this year, and he is hitting .294/.397/.492 with 20 extra-base hits and 13.4 percent walk rate at Triple-A.

The Red Sox have already used eight different players at second base this year, and with Christian Arroyo (103 PA, 77 OPS+) and Enmanuel Valdez (101 PA, 82 OPS+) both underperforming as the primary starters, Yorke could get a look as the starter before the season is over.