Boston Red Sox's 2017 MLB Draft Preview, Predictions
As June rolls along, the Boston Red Sox's primary concern is competing in the crowded, noisy American League East.
This team is built to win now, especially after jettisoning many of its top prospects under president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
That said, the farm system matters. The Sox won't pick until late in the first round—24th overall, to be exact—but they've got a shot to restock their MiLB ranks and address some obvious needs.
While we await the actual draft beginning on June 12, let's take a deeper dive.
Farm System Strength
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The Red Sox's top MiLB player, Rafael Devers, is the No. 12 prospect in the game and the No. 1 third base prospect, per MLB.com.
He's backed that up by hitting .308 with a .915 OPS at Double-A and could soon get the call to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The Sox's top-10 prospect list is littered with corner infielders. First baseman Sam Travis, who has gotten a taste of big league action, checks in at No. 3, along with third baseman Bobby Dalbec (No. 4), first baseman Josh Ockimey (No. 8), first baseman Nick Longhi (No. 9) and third baseman Michael Chavis (No. 10).
No one but Devers rates among MLB.com's top 100 prospects, but the Red Sox are undeniably loaded when it comes to the corners.
Areas of Need
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Devers and left-hander Jason Groome are the only Boston prospects who crack MLB.com's top 100. And the latter is working his way back from a lat injury.
Suffice it to say, Boston's system has all sorts of needs, and one of the most glaring might be at second base.
Veteran Dustin Pedroia remains productive despite a recent wrist injury, but the 33-year-old franchise icon could be a few years away from oblivion—just enough time to select and groom a successor.
Boston could also use pitching to augment Groome and intriguing 19-year-old right-hander Roniel Raudes, who owns a 4.93 ERA at High-A and is on the shelf with an "undisclosed injury," per CBSSports.com.
Top Hitter Options
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Picking at No. 24, the Red Sox aren't going to grab a top-ranked position player. Among the non-pitchers who could fall to Boston, here are three worth keeping an eye on:
Logan Warmoth, SS, North Carolina
In his third season with the Tar Heels, Logan Warmoth is hitting .336 with a .972 OPS while flashing plus speed and excellent defense at shortstop.
He may go before Boston can grab him, but if he drops far enough, the Sox should pounce.
Keston Hiura, 2B, UC Irvine
Keston Hiura crushed it in 2017, slashing .442/.567/.693.
The only reason the 21-year-old may slide to Boston is an elbow injury that could require surgery, per ESPN.com's Keith Law. Otherwise, as noted in the article, Hiura "might have [the draft's] best pure hit tool."
Nick Allen, SS, Francis Parker High School (Calif.)
A diminutive high schooler with the skills and instincts to be an elite defensive shortstop, Nick Allen "gets to his front side early with a contact oriented swing, handles the barrel well and will flash surprising pull pop when squared up," per the scouting report at PerfectGame.org.
The 18-year-old would be a gamble, but it's one that could pay big dividends.
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Top Pitcher Options
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This year's draft features an array of highly ranked pitchers. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter placed five hurlers among the top six potential picks.
Again, the Sox won't land any of those names at No. 24 or lower, but there are notable arms that could be had.
Alex Faedo, RHP, Florida
Alex Faedo posted his best ERA (2.70) in three seasons at Florida while striking out 123 in 103.1 innings in 2017.
The 21-year-old could go much higher, but Law has him slated to fall as far as No. 22, so you never know.
D.L. Hall, LHP, Valdosta High School (Ga.)
A high school southpaw, D.L. Hall has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s with room to grow in terms of both frame and velocity.
He's projected to go in the first round and, like Faedo, he might be claimed before Boston selects. If not, the Sox will be tempted.
Nate Pearson, RHP, Central Florida JC
A physical specimen at 6'6" and 235 pounds, Nate Pearson can hit the high 90s with his fastball and looks the part of a pure power pitcher.
And, hey, look at that—Reuter has him going at No. 24 exactly.
Draft Predictions
5 of 5After going 93-69 last season, the Red Sox have two picks in the top 100: No. 24 and No. 63.
Selecting that low reduces any prediction to guesswork, but we say they will take a middle infielder first and grab Hiura, banking on a return to health and the development of his impressive hit tool.
As for the 63rd pick? Toss a dart.
Let's assume Boston targets a pitcher and snags right-hander Matt Tabor of Milton Academy. The school is in Massachusetts, after all, which is also where he was born. And Reuter pegs him at No. 62, so we're in the neighborhood.
"I am just trying to enjoy every second of it," Tabor said of his high school success as pro scouts looked on, per Karl Capen of the Boston Globe.
We suggest you do the same with the MLB draft.
All statistics courtesy of TheBaseballCube.com and Baseball Reference.
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