The MLB draft is nearly upon us, where so many young star's futures will be decided. The Red Sox have had a tumultuous off-season and still stand at a precipice of uncertainty when it comes to the futures of stars Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts. With this mix of issues and Chaim Bloom's history with the Rays, we take a stab at predicting who will be added to the ever-growing farm system in Boston.
Pick 24: Drew Gilbert, OF, Tennessee
Tennessee may have had a disappointing finish to their College World Series, they still yielded a ton of talent. Gilbert has wheels on the base paths and in the outfield and features plus arm strength thanks to his time hurling 93 mph fastballs in the bullpen. His bat power is a bit shaky, but he did finish his college career hot by homering four times in seven games. Gilbert has the tools to be a Gold Glove defender with upside to potentially produce a high average at the plate.
Pick 41: Landon Sims, RHP, Mississippi State
The Sox could use more high-impact arms in their minor league system, and Sims would be a huge addition to this team. He was nigh untouchable his first two seasons with the Bulldogs posting a .151 opponent batting average. His fastball stays around 94-96 mph while hitting a top speed around 98, which he complements with one of the nastiest sliders in the entire draft. He was making the move to starter before getting injured last year but would probably be better suited to a bullpen role in the near future.
Pick 79: Ivan Melendez, 1B, Texas
Lots of people knock Melendez for being a mostly one-tool player with impressive raw power that allowed him to set the NCAA record for home runs since the BBCOR restriction was adopted. He's an adequate defender at first who can hit for contact to all parts of the field. The Red Sox have had some of the worst production from first base over the last few seasons and present the ideal opportunity for them to fix that issue with a productive batter as well as give Melendez an ideal landing spot higher in the draft to maximize slot value.
Pick 99: Ben Joyce, RHP, Tennessee
Joyce was college baseball's golden boy for the early part of the season because of a fastball that averaged a whopping 101 mph. His season ended early due to injury, but Joyce still possesses a plus-plus fastball that can overpower hitters when he locates it well. The changeup is useable and has the potential to become a good alternative to the fastball. His constant gas and injury likely mean that his days as a starter are gone, but he possesses the stuff necessary to become a top-of-the-line bullpen arm at the next level.
Pick 129: Adonys Guzman, C, Brunswick (CT)
A Boston College commit, there's a lot to love about what Guzman brings to the table. His compact swing and approach present some upside in the batter's box, it's behind the plate where Guzman really shines. His arm is insane and allows him to take over the defense and control runners. His blocking and framing traits are all a plus and his intangibles are through the roof. There is always the chance he doesn't sign, but Boston would be foolish to not at least try to get a local talent that brings a big-time talent in at a premium position.
Pick 159: Trey Faltine, SS, Texas
Sox fans may remember Faltine's name as a former 39th round pick in 2019 by the organization, and now his name returns. Faltine was the best defensive shortstop in college, and his instincts and twitchiness made him incredibly successful there as a defensive leader. His bat concerns from high school still remain, as he put together a .553 OPS in the Cape league and struck out 104 times this season with Texas. He did hit 14 homers, so there is some hope that a hitting coach can develop his approach to unlock more of that power. He has potential to be a perennial Gold Glover.
Pick 189: Jace LaViolette, OF, Thompkins (TX)
Texas A&M's top recruit this year, LaViolette is a lefty masher with upside as a future corner outfielder. He's done some work to smooth out his swing and become a more well-rounded hitter with plus raw power on top. He's a big guy at 6'5", 225 pounds with a solid running form that makes him just that on the base paths: solid. The Red Sox have had some good success with high school bats (See: Nick Yorke and Marcelo Meyer) and LaViolette could be the next one that makes waves in the Sox system.
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