Jeter Downs to represent Red Sox in MLB Futures Game
The first All-Star weekend representative for the Red Sox has been announced. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball shared the rosters for this year’s Futures Game, which will include middle infielder Jeter Downs.
Downs was acquired by the Red Sox last February from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade. SoxProspects.com currently has the 22-year-old ranked third overall in the Red Sox farm system.
In his first year in the Red Sox system (there was no minor league baseball last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic) Downs is hitting .243 for the WooSox with seven home runs in 38 games. He’s split his time in the lineup between second base and shortstop.
Some have pointed out that Downs’ Worcester teammate Jarren Duran may be the biggest snub from the game. The 24-year-old has 15 home runs in 37 games while hitting .282. Sox Prospects currently has him ranked second in the system, behind 2018 first-round pick Triston Casas. However, impressive outfield youth around the league likely led to Duran being left off. Duran played in the game in 2019.
The Futures Game has been played every year since 1999 as a part of the MLB All-Star week festivities. It features the top minor league players from all levels, separated into teams based on the league of their big league club (AL vs. NL). Players with major league service time are ineligible.
Historically, Red Sox prospects have had success in the Futures Game. Boston is one of only four franchises to have multiple players win game MVP. Che-Hsuan Lin took home the honors in 2008, as did Yoan Moncada in 2016.
This year’s Futures Game will be played Sunday, July 11 at 3 p.m. at Coors Field in Denver.
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