One of the best prospects in the Red Sox farm system will probably arrive in the United States earlier than anticipated later this year, thanks to a scheduling change.
Yoeilin Cespedes, an infielder, is anticipated to join the Florida Complex League in 2024 after having a successful rookie season in the Dominican Summer League the previous year.
Why Yoeilin Cespedes, a rising Red Sox prospect, is expected to make his domestic debut sooner than anticipated
The rookie-level Florida and Arizona Complex Leagues usually start in early June and end in late August, as they have in previous years. However, as JJ Cooper of Baseball America noted on Tuesday, the complex league seasons for both leagues this year will start on May 4 and end on July 25.
Cooper claims that during the previous season, all 30 major-league teams “discussed changes to the complex leagues with MLB.” Farm directors deliberated over several suggestions for various adjustments before voting to advance the season. Ultimately, the choice transforms the leagues from ones that will be primarily populated with players joining from the Dominican Summer League to ones that will be heavily populated by new draftees.
Cespedes, the Dominican Republic’s top international signing for Boston in 2023, meets that description. The Azua native made his professional debut for DSL Red Sox Blue last June after signing a contract and earning a sizable $1.4 million bonus. He then went on to put up impressive numbers at the plate.
Cespedes, the Dominican Republic’s top international signing for Boston in 2023, meets that description. The Azua native made his professional debut for DSL Red Sox Blue last June after signing a contract and earning a sizable $1.4 million bonus. He then went on to put up impressive numbers at the plate.
