Red Sox's 2024 MLB Draft Guide and Top Prospects to Target

The Boston Red Sox have the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft, and the front office will be banking on things turning out better than they did last time the team was slotted in that position on the draft board.

With the No. 12 overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Red Sox took prep left-hander Jay Groome, and while he was a hyped prospect when he first began his pro career he never lived up to expectations. The 25-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut and is currently serving a one-year suspension for violating the league's gambling policy.

So who might the Red Sox be targeting this time around?

Ahead, we've broken down three prospects who should be on their radar when their pick comes up in the 2024 MLB draft.

1B/OF James Tibbs III, Florida State

Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

TALLAHASSEE, FL - JUNE 08: Outfielder James Tibbs III #22 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates circling the bases after hitting the winning home run during game 2 against the UConn Huskies in the 2024 NCAA Baseball Super Regional on Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium on June 8, 2024 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the UConn Huskies 10-8 in 12 innings to advance to the College World Series for the 24th time in the program history. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

James Tibbs III could be the first player from the 2024 draft class to reach the majors thanks to his advanced approach at the plate, and while he is viewed as having one of the highest floors among this year's college bats, he also offers plenty of upside.

The Florida State standout hit .363/.488/.777 with 28 home runs and 95 RBI in 66 games this spring while tallying more walks (58) than strikeouts (37), and his 60-hit, 55-power offensive profile will be his ticket to the big leagues.

He is likely limited to left field or first base defensively, but it's his bat that should allow him to fly through the minors.

RHP Trey Yesavage, East Carolina

There are a handful of college bats in the mix to go in the portion of the draft where the Red Sox are picking, but if they decide to prioritize adding more pitching talent, the odds are high it will be Trey Yesavage.

The East Carolina ace established himself as the clear No. 3 college pitcher in this class behind Chase Burns and Hagen Smith this spring, going 11-1 with a 2.03 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 93.1 innings.

His strong 6'4", 225-pound frame and polished four-pitch arsenal gives him a great chance to develop into a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter, and he should move through the minors as quickly as any pitcher in the 2024 class.

2B Christian Moore, Tennessee

C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 22: Christian Moore #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers bats against the Texas A&M Aggies during the Division I Men's Baseball Championship held at Charles Schwab Field on June 22, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

No player did more to boost his draft stock at this year's College World Series than Tennessee second baseman Christian Moore, who became the first player in 68 years to hit for the cycle at the annual college baseball tournament.

He wrapped up his junior season with a .375/.451/.797 batting line that included 19 doubles, 34 home runs, 74 RBI and 83 runs scored in 72 games, and went from a fringe first-round pick to a potential Top-10 selection as the spring unfolded.

He fits best at second base on the infield where his 60-hit, 55-power offensive profile will drive his value, but he could also be a fit in center field where his speed and instincts would play well.