Boston Red Sox
First pick: 26
Bonus pool: $6.373M
System strength
In terms of sheer prospect depth, only the
Houston Astros rival the Red Sox right now, with seven prospects making Law's top 100. They're particularly deep in the infield, with catcher
Blake Swihart (No. 56), second baseman
Mookie Betts (61) and third baseman
Garin Cecchini all looking like regular contributors. There's quality and quantity on the mound, too, with
Henry Owens (42) and
Matt Barnes (89) all looking like quality starters who should be ready in the next few years, and 2013 first-rounder
Trey Ball showing tons of projection as well.
System weaknesses
It's nitpicking, but the Red Sox don't have much in terms of upper-level outfield prospects now that
Jackie Bradley Jr. is up in Boston, and if
Xander Bogaerts were to need to move to third base permanently, they don't necessarily have a replacement shortstop in the system with former first-round pick
Deven Marrero appearing to be nothing more than a utility infielder despite his defensive abilities.
Draft strategy
Outside of the Nationals, no club was hurt more by the new collective bargaining agreement, as Boston had absolutely no fear of going over the slot "recommendations" set forth. Still, Boston will likely take a best-player-available approach as long as GM Ben Cherington and scouting director Amiel Sawdaye are in charge. You won't see Boston reach for need.
Recent top picks
2013: Trey Ball, LHP, No. 07
2012: Deven Marrero, SS, No. 24
2011: Matt Barnes, RHP, No. 19
Notable No. 26 picks
1976: Allen Trammell, SS (70.4 WAR)
1977: Dave Henderson, OF (27.4 WAR)
1983: Dan Plesac, RHP (17.6 WAR)
Possible fits
Jacob Gatewood | SS, Clovis HS (Fresno, Calif.): Gatewood is very much a high-risk, high-reward player, but with 70 power and a chance to stick at shortstop, he could be pay huge dividends down the road.
Derek Fisher | OF, Virginia: Fisher has seen his stock drop due to a hamate injury that wiped out most of his junior year, but in terms of pure talent he might be the best collegiate position player in the class.
Michael Chavis | 3B/OF, Sprayberry (Ga.) HS: Chavis is one of the most underrated hitters in the country, with a chance to stick at third and an above-average hit and power tool from the right side.