Margot, Devers show skills in Futures Game

CINCINNATI -- The challenge of facing more experienced Double-A pitching on a nightly basis has been a welcome one for outfielder Manuel Margot, who is rated as the Red Sox's No. 5 prospect by MLB.com and regarded as the organization's best all-around athlete.

Margot said that he immediately sensed better command and a willingness to see any pitch in any count, and as he helped represent the Red Sox by facing similar competition in Sunday's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, the 20-year-old is dreaming of bigger things to come.

"We're getting closer and closer to the Major Leagues," Margot said through an interpreter after the World Team's 10-1 loss to the U.S. Team. "That's a point of pride for me."

Margot and 18-year-old third baseman Rafael Devers -- Boston's No. 4 prospect, according to MLB.com -- wore the Sox logo on their sleeves for the World Team. Margot went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, while Devers grounded out in his only at-bat.

Devers has come on quickly since signing as an international free agent in 2013, regarded as one of the most promising hitters in the system, hitting for average and power.

"I was very excited in my first year to get here," Devers said through an interpreter. "Last year I was just in Rookie ball. I'm very excited."

Playing at Class A Greenville this season, Devers has posted a .294/.324/.439 split line with seven homers and 42 RBIs in 71 games.

"Rafael has worked really hard on his defense and approach at the plate, while continuing to show an advanced approach with the ability to drive the ball to all fields," said Red Sox director of player development Ben Crockett.

Margot is excited to be moving closer to Fenway Park, at least in a geographical sense, now that he plays his home games in Maine. Signed as an international prospect in 2011 from the Dominican Republic, Margot features a nice combination of speed and developing power.

"It's an important promotion for me. It's the fruits of the work I've been doing," Margot said.

Margot started the season with Class A Salem, posting a .282/.321/.420 split line before moving up to the Sea Dogs, where he is batting .278 (20-for-72) with a homer and 13 RBIs in 19 games.

"Manuel continues to show tremendous athleticism and tools on both sides of the ball, as well as impacting the game with his speed on the bases," Crockett said.