The MLB Amateur Draft is approaching and for the first time in quite a while, the Red Sox have a top ten pick– #7 to be exact. Although this year’s draft is not as full of top talent as it has been in past years, there are still plenty of high-ceiling players early on and the Red Sox will have their pick. It will be interesting to see how Ben Cherington decides to play this year’s draft with such a high pick as he was very conservative, going for low-ceiling, high-floor type players. In an effort to find players he may pick with that seventh spot, I will be posting a few draft profiles over the coming weeks.
Considering that Mark Appel and Jonathan Gray are the consensus top two picks, it seems very unlikely that either one slips to the Red Sox. However, the player with the next best ceiling may be high school outfielder Clint Frazier. He has five-tool potential, but the most impressive of those tools is his power, coming from his elite bat speed. Even though Frazier isn’t a big guy (6’1″, 190 lbs), he has shown power to all fields and scouts are in love with his short, quick swing.
Jul 4, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; A general view during a flyover past a large American flag draped over the green monster prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
That right-handed power would play very well into Fenway Park and would likely result in plenty of home runs and doubles off the Green Monster. Even beyond his power though, there’s a lot to like about Frazier. He has a good hit tool and good speed that, although he may have to move from center, would be a plus for a corner outfielder.
The only question would be whether Frazier would last until the seventh pick in the draft. If he is still available, he seems like he would be an excellent choice and would likely fit into the Red Sox’ top five prospects. Elite power is hard to come by, and elite right-handed power is especially useful for the Red Sox. If Frazier is still around, it seems like it would be foolish not to grab him.