Ranking the Boston Red Sox’ Top 10 Prospects Heading Into 2015

Ball, the seventh overall pick in 2013, disappointed in his first pro season, posting a 4.68 ERA, 6.1 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9. Still, the 20-year-old lefty has solid potential. He throws in the low-90s with plenty of room to add muscle to his 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame. His changeup and curveball have shown flashes of being above average as well. With more development and consistency, Ball could vault up prospect rankings, but he is still no sure thing.

Margot had a breakout year in 2014 while playing most of the season as a 19-year-old, hitting .293/.365/.462 between Low-A and a High-A cameo. Margot has already impressed with his advanced hitting abilities, and he could hit for a high average with average or a tick above-average power. His plus speed helped him steal 42 bases, and, combined with an above-average arm, it makes him a stout defender in center field.

Cecchini was widely regarded as a top-100 prospect prior to the season, but despite making his big league debut, his stock fell considerably. At Triple-A, Cecchini hit a disappointing .263/.341/.371 while striking out a career-high 99 times. Still, the third baseman has shown advanced hitting in the past thanks to solid contact and on-base abilities with decent power. A rebound 2015 could see him make an impact on the big league club.

For the second season in a row, Ranaudo posted a sub-3.00 ERA in the minors, though his 4.81 ERA in seven MLB starts leaves a bit more to be desired. Still, Ranaudo seems to be on the cusp of a big league impact. At the very least, his low-mid 90s fastball, plus curveball and average changeup will make him a No. 4 starter. But, with some improved command and a bit more development with his changeup, he could turn into a No. 3.

Johnson has impressed so far as a pro, posting a 2.23 ERA in parts of two seasons, including a 1.75 ERA in 20 Triple-A starts in 2014. That level of dominance likely will not translate to the big leagues, but Johnson should be solid nonetheless. He features four average or better pitches in his fastball, curveball, cutter and changeup, and his package plays up thanks to great command and pitchability. He could be a No. 3 starter soon.

Devers, just 18 years old, was solid between the rookie Dominican Summer League and Gulf Coast League, hitting .322/.404/.506 in 70 games. The lefty-swinging third baseman already shows above-average contact and power abilities, and both could end up as plus. He is raw defensively, and while he has a chance to stick at third, he could move to first in time. Devers has the chance to be a dynamic bat in the big leagues, but he is a long way off.

Rodriguez, acquired by the Red Sox at the 2014 trade deadline, found instant success with his new club, posting a 0.96 ERA over six Double-A starts to lower his ERA on the year to 3.60. The lefty's fastball sits in the low-90s, but he can reach 97 if needed. His changeup has plus potential, and his slider could turn out to be average. The 21-year-old has good command of his pitches, and he could turn into a No. 2 or No. 3 starter.

The Red Sox signed Castillo, a Cuban defector, for seven years and $ 72.5 million late in the season, and for good reason. His plus speed is his calling card, and it makes him an above-average defender in center field. Though he does need some more development with the bat, Castillo could hit 20 homers with a high average some day. Coming from center field, that means he could turn into an All-Star, though he is not there just yet.

The 22-year-old lefty has done nothing but dominate since his pro debut in 2012, and he was solid again in 2014, posting a 2.94 ERA, 9.6 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 between Double-A and a Triple-A cameo. His plus low-90s fastball features great late bite and deception, and he adds a plus changeup and a curveball with above-average potential. Pair that with solid pitchability and improved command and control, and Owens could be a frontline starter soon.

Everything came together for Swihart in 2014, as the catcher hit .300/.353/.487 in 92 Double-A games before regressing a bit in 18 Triple-A games and having his season end due to injury. A switch-hitter, Swihart is advanced offensively, showcasing nice contact and power abilities. Defensively, he is also above-average. Put that all together and Swihart has the chance to be one of the better two-way catchers in baseball.