David Ortiz Hails Red Sox 19-Year-Old Prodigy As Future Superstar Spring training has become a platform for young prospects to showcase their talents to major league fans, and this year’s season has been particularly notable for Justin Gonzales. At just 19 years old, Gonzales has already made a significant impression with his physical presence and explosive power. His ability to generate loud, hard contact with the baseball has drawn attention, regardless of whether his long-term role is at first base or in the outfield. Scouts and analysts believe his raw power could propel him to the majors, though his development will require time and dedication. One of Gonzales’ standout moments during spring training came on March 2 when he hit a laser single against the Toronto Blue Jays, clocking in at 117 miles per hour. Statcast recorded this as the second-fastest exit velocity of any batted ball during the spring, highlighting his potential as a high-impact hitter. Beyond his performance on the field, Gonzales has also received praise from baseball legend David Ortiz, who has been vocal about the young player’s future. Ortiz, a former Red Sox slugger known for his power and charisma, recently commended Gonzales for his talent and work ethic. Ortiz, reflecting on his own journey, emphasized the importance of discipline and perseverance in reaching the highest levels of the sport. “He’s a big kid man,” Ortiz told Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. “I hope he stays healthy and continues working extremely hard. He’s got so many tools to begin to be a superstar.” Ortiz’s comments underscored the idea that while Gonzales possesses natural ability, his success will depend on his ability to refine his skills and maintain consistency.#boston_red_sox #toronto_blue_jays #david_ortiz #justin_gonzales #mac_cerullo
Massive Red Sox Prospect Mentored by David Ortiz Making Waves David Ortiz, the Hall of Fame slugger, has remained a towering figure in baseball even after retiring, offering guidance to young players in Red Sox camp. His influence recently extended to a 19-year-old prospect, Justin Gonzales, who has stunned the league with his raw talent and potential. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds, Gonzales has emerged as one of the Red Sox’s top prospects, currently ranked No. 6 by MLB Pipeline. His standout performances in spring training have drawn attention, particularly after hitting a single measured at 117.3 mph off the bat, the second-hardest hit ball in MLB this spring. Gonzales, originally signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for $250,000 in 2024, made an immediate impact with the Red Sox. He earned the club’s Latin Program Player of the Year award and debuted in the majors in 2025, batting .281 with four home runs, 23 doubles, 12 stolen bases, and a .753 OPS in 93 games, mostly at Low-A Salem. His power stroke has been a focal point, with exit velocities rivaling those of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ortiz, who has taken Gonzales under his wing, praised the young slugger’s potential. “Oh my god, he’s a big kid man,” Ortiz told the Herald. “I hope he stays healthy and continues working extremely hard. He’s got so many tools to begin to be a superstar.” Gonzales, who described Ortiz as “like a father to me,” echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of discipline and technique. “We don’t need to try to hit the ball hard, that happens naturally. We just need to find the barrel and hit the ball in the air,” he said, reflecting Ortiz’s teachings. Gonzales’ spring training appearances with the big league club have been pivotal.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #david_ortiz #justin_gonzales #red_sox
