Red Sox Insider Says Top Prospect 'Could Reach The Majors This Year'

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It was less than nine months ago when Boston Red Sox top infield prospect Franklin Arias was promoted to Double-A Portland.

Now, Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald believes there's a chance that the 20-year-old could be called up to the majors this year.

"His meteoric rise continued last season, as Arias rose three levels from Low-A to Double-A and finished the year as the club’s top position player prospect," the Red Sox insider wrote. "Now after another red-hot start, Arias has reached a point where it no longer seems far-fetched that he could reach the majors this year."

Arias recently jumped from No. 36 to No. 6 overall in ESPN's top 50 MLB prospects list as he's recorded eight home runs, 25 RBIs and a .328/.414/.588 slash line across 140 plate appearances covering 33 games with the Sea Dogs this season.

Boston's starting shortstop -- Trevor Story -- was placed on the injured list on May 16 and his timeline for a return is uncertain.

"If he continues hitting at that rate a promotion to Triple-A shouldn’t be far off, putting the shortstop one step away from realizing his big league dream," Cerullo wrote.

Arias told Cerullo that his role model is New York Mets five-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor.

"If Arias becomes anywhere near the player Lindor has been throughout his career, he could be a game-changer for the Red Sox. But in the meantime, Arias said he’s keeping things in perspective as he looks to take the next step toward playing in Boston," Cerullo wrote.

"'You’ve got to get to Triple-A before you get to the big leaguers," the Venezuelan middle infielder said. "So in the short term get to Triple-A and then the long-term goal, I’ve said all year, play in the big leagues."

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