The Boston Red Sox's #8 prospect, RHP Luis Perales, was otherworldly in 2024. He posted a 2.94 ERA in 9 games with 56 strikeouts with two teams (High-A Greenville to AA Portland).
He was, at one point, the #4 prospect in their system, only behind Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and, of course, Roman Anthony. However, many things can change over the course of a year. Those players have been called up, and seven other players have taken their spots over him. But that's not due to performance.
Red Sox RHP prospect Luis Perales has not been ruled out for a big league call-up by the end of the season, according to @alexspeier.
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) August 11, 2025
Perales had Tommy John over a year ago, is currently throwing bullpens, and is expected to throw live BP by the end of the month. pic.twitter.com/Uqf5CZ9Jh0
Red Sox RHP Luis Perales Could Return This Season
After just playing two games in Portland, he had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, prematurely ending his season. The now 22-year-old is throwing bullpen sessions and could be back by September. The problem is, he's still under the AA Portland affiliation as of right now. Whether or not they want to call him up immediately to Worcester is to be determined, but it's something to look out for.
The problem is, is it wise? Is it wise enough to push him immediately to the big leagues like they're trying to do with Peyton Tolle? How will this affect him in such a short amount of time? Well, think of it this way: They're not considering calling him up and rushing him to the big leagues, but it hasn't been "ruled out", per Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.
The best scenario is to just keep him in AA Portland if he is able to come back this year, see what he does in Spring Training, and then put him in AAA Worcester to start the 2026 season. Then, in the middle of the season, call him up to the big leagues around June, depending on his performance at that level, of course.
Regardless of his position in the farm system rankings, Luis Perales has only been held back because of the dreaded Tommy John. If he weren't, he would've been in the big leagues right now. It's exciting to see him return, so let's hope he can get himself back to form by 2026.