The Boston Red Sox have spent the last few years attempting to completely rebuild the farm system in hopes of building a sustainable contender in the near future.
In doing so, the organization racked up a slew of position players and appeared to have a type — middle infielders. As it stands now, 10 of the Red Sox’s top 30 prospects are listed at either shortstop or second base, not including Ceddanne Rafaela, who is expected to play center field but has the versatility to play just about anywhere.
One of those players reportedly will not be suiting up for the 2024 season due to some serious allegations.
“Red Sox prospect Brainer Bonaci has been suspended for the season for a violation of the minor league domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, according to an industry source,” The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier wrote Wednesday. “Bonaci had been placed on the restricted list in October, resulting in his departure from the Arizona Fall League.”
The 21-year-old is listed as the Red Sox’s No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The reason for his disappearance last season has been uncovered.
Bonaci hit .297 with 30 extra-base hits including 11 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .818 OPS in 79 games between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland last season.
It was going to be difficult to find Bonaci a path to Boston given the loaded position group but his ability alone likely would have been enough to either find him a role or trade him somewhere he could have thrived.
Now he’ll be sitting out for the entirety of the 2024 season and his future with the organization is in serious jeopardy.