For those who read my mock draft last week, I did not fare well in reading the enigma of a mind that is Chaim Bloom. In a draft that was top-heavy for high school talent the Red Sox still managed to nab some impressive youngsters before they left for college. This draft class is layered and contains lots of interesting pieces, so here's a guide for who to keep an eye on.
The top-pick shortstops
The first major draft decision that turned heads was Bloom's selection of Orange Lutheran (CA) shortstop Mikey Romero. While not expected to go in the first, Romero joins Nick Yorke as one of the best hitters of high school in the draft that they selected early. This pick cleared some extra cash for the Red Sox to select fellow shortstop Cutter Coffey of Liberty High (CA). Romero has good hands, but his range and reaction may hinder his ability to stay at shortstop. His bat more than makes up for it and has great bat-to-ball skills and room for power that will likely see him move to the outfield as a hit-first player. Cutter Coffey also has range issues but projects as an above-average defender at third, where his cannon arm that threw 94 mph fastballs can be used effectively. His power is impressive, but he has significant work to be done on pitch recognition. Both have good potential. with Coffey posing more risk due to his contact issues.
The other high school stud
The Red Sox finished their Day 1 draft by selecting Stoneman Douglas (FL) outfielder Roman Anthony. The big lefty was an Ole Miss commit who impressed with his power and ability to play the corners of the outfield. He's still developing an approach at the plate, but his plus-power potential makes scouts drool over his potential. He won't be a Gold Glover, but he for sure is one of the best young power bats in the minors now.
Pitching Prospect(s) to watch: Noah Dean, LHP, Old Dominion/Hayden Mullins, LHP, Auburn
There were a lot of college arms taken by the Sox but none quite as intriguing as Dean. The lefty struck out an impressive 46 batters in 26 innings as a closer but is expected to transition to a starter now that he's in the majors. His fastball sits mid-90s with decent control and has even hit 100 mph at times. His breaking ball sits 77-81 mph with excellent break but needs work on keeping it in or near the zone. His changeup is impressive but was rarely used in college. That will likely change when he makes the transition to starting and projects as the better of his two swing-and-miss pitches.
Mullins, after a solid but unspectacular year at Auburn, has the potential to grow into a solid middle relief option. His stuff needs work, and he needs to limit his walks, but the command is solid and lefty relivers are a premium commodity. He doesn't have a typical starter kit but did make 8 starts for Auburn if the Sox want to convert him as well.
The Wild Card: SS Gavin Kilen, Milton High (WI)
Kilen was MLB.com's 100th prospect after showing incredible skill and potential while leading his school to their first Wisconsin Division 1 state championship. He's an incredible infield prospect with a refined approach at the plate and incredible work ethic and maturity for his age. His slide is due to him having a rather strong commitment to Louisville and wanting to go there before pro ball. This would be an incredibly tough signing but if Bloom can pull it off than it would be an incredible heist for Chaim Bloom and the Red SOx
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