Boston Red Sox 2026 MLB Draft Top Picks and Top 10 Prospects

The Boston Red Sox's top selection in the 2026 MLB draft was North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner, selected No. 20 overall.

So where does he slot into the bigger farm system picture?

Even with pitchers Payton Tolle and Connelly Early moving on to the majors, the Red Sox still have another elite-level prospect in shortstop Franklin Arias, headlining a system filled with high-ceiling young talent.

Let's unpack how all the Day 1 action unfolded for the Red Sox, and how it changes the look of their system.

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Day 1 Draft Results

1st round, No. 20 overall: SS Jake Schaffner, North Carolina
2nd round, No. 67 overall: OF Owen Hull, North Carolina
3rd round, No. 96 overall: SS Jace Mataczynski, Hudson HS (WI)

The Red Sox were apparently watching closely as the North Carolina Tar Heels reached the College World Series finals, and they drafted arguably their two best hitters: shortstop Jake Schaffner and outfielder Owen Hull.

Schaffner might have been the biggest reach of the first round, with questions about how much impact he'll make with limited power and a glove that might fit better at second base than shortstop.

Hull hit .393/.500/.615 with 38 extra-base hits this spring and went on an absolute tear during the postseason. He could end up being the more impactful pro of the two, especially if he stays in center field.

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New Red Sox Top 10 Prospect List

1. SS Franklin Arias
2. RHP Anthony Eyanson
3. RHP Kyson Witherspoon
4. OF Justin Gonzales
5. LHP Jake Bennett
6. OF Enddy Azocar
7. 2B Henry Godbout
8. SS Dorian Soto
9. OF Owen Hull
10. C Franklin Primera

Crown Jewel: With advanced bat-to-ball skills and a quality glove, Franklin Arias was already one of the top talents in the Boston system, but he has emerged as one of baseball's elite prospects this year thanks to an offensive breakout. The 20-year-old is hitting .322/.418/.602 with 16 doubles, 17 home runs and 47 RBI in 68 games at Double-A.

System Weakness: With Marcelo Mayer, Triston Casas, Kristian Campbell and Miguel Bleis among the notable examples, the Red Sox do not have the best conversion rate recently when it comes to their top offensive prospects. That's worth keeping an eye on as Franklin Arias and Justin Gonzales continue to rise in the ranks.

Second-Half Outlook: Left-hander Jake Bennett is currently filling a spot in the Boston rotation, and it's not out of the question to think Anthony Eyanson could join him before the season is over. Last year's third-round pick has been dominant at High-A and Double-A in his pro debut, and he could force the team's hand if he continues dealing.