Top Red Sox Prospect Dies At 17

BOSTON, MA — Red Sox minor league catcher Daniel Flores died due to "complications during treatment for cancer," the team said in a statement Wednesday. He was 17.

A switch-hitting catcher from Venezuela, Flores was considered the best international catching prospect in recent years, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham. Baseball America considered Flores the No. 2 prospect in the international class, while MLB.com had him as the No. 5 prospect in the Red Sox organization. Flores signed for a $3.1 million bonus in July.

"Everyone at the Red Sox was shocked to hear of Daniel’s tragic passing," President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said. "To see the life of young man with so much promise cut short is extremely saddening for all of us. On behalf of the Red Sox organization, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Daniel’s family."

"Every member of our organization who got to know Daniel absolutely loved him," Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Eddie Romero said. "He was energetic, hard-working, and genuinely selfless, always with a smile on his face. He cared for his teammates and was a natural leader. I’m at a loss for words today. Daniel was an impressive young man with limitless potential, and his life was cut far too short. My condolences go out to Daniel’s mother and sister. Though with us for a short time, Daniel will always be a part of the Red Sox family.”

Flores' death comes a day after two-time Cy Young Award winner and former Blue Jay and Phillie Roy Halladay died in a plane crash.

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