Red Sox draft coverage: potential hitting targets

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 MLB Amateur Draft is coming up shortly, with June 5th the first day of the draft. Considering the proximity of this year’s draft, it seems about time to begin dreaming on hypothetical draft scenarios and that’s exactly what we’re going to do today. We’ll be looking at a few of the top hitters that have been linked to the Red Sox in the early going. The Red Sox’ first round selection is the 26th overall pick in the draft, but while they may not have as high a selection as last year, there are certainly still quality players on the board. Let’s take a look.

• Braxton Davidson is considered one of the premier power bats in this year’s draft and if available with the #26 pick, the Red Sox could certainly look to add some power to their farm system with the 17-year old outfielder. Baseball America ranks Davidson as the 31st best player on the draft board this season, but given that he would fill a position of need (first base or corner outfield), he could rank even higher on the Red Sox’ draft board. MLB.com gives him a 55 hit tool, a 60 power tool, and a 60 arm tool and states that his plate approach is disciplined and mature, certainly a bonus for a player with Davidson’s power.
• Derek Fisher’s value comes from his incredibly low floor. An intriguing high school recruit in 2011, where he was drafted in the 6th round by the Texas Rangers, he has spent the last three seasons at one of America’s top baseball programs at the University of Virginia. Fisher fits the prototype of a player that could race through the minor leagues and become an MLB regular within two or three years. He has huge raw power, but in-game he has profiled more like a solid, but on outstanding, middle-of-the-order presence that could consistently hit .270-.280 with 20-25 home runs and that’s quite valuable in today’s brand of baseball.
• Monte Harrison probably has the highest ceiling of the players potentially available with the 26th pick. He could have above-average tools across the board, including an intriguing power-speed combination, and his best tool is his arm as he has been clocked as high as 97 mph from the outfield. With the Red Sox’ farm system so stacked with low-floor, unspectacular prospects, don’t be surprised to see the Red Sox take a chance on a high-ceiling prospect like Harrison if he is still available.
• Derek Hill would also fill the prototype of the high-ceiling high school athlete that could, one day, develop into an elite player. Hill is considered one of the best defensive players available on the draft board, as his elite speed allows him to profile well in center field. He should also be able to hit for a solid batting average and lock down a spot at the top of the lineup, though he may never have much home run power. Though their tools are slightly different, consider Hill and Harrison similar prospects for the Red Sox as either one would represent a high-ceiling flyer pick.
• Marcus Wilson would also fill that profile similar to that of Harrison and Hill but might be the most raw of the three high school outfielders. Still, he has the potential to develop good tools across the board and, if he adds strength, could have a very desirable speed-power combination. Unless he adds too much strength and weight, he should be able to profile as a center fielder which could take some pressure off of his bat. However, he still should be able to become a solid all-around outfielder if he progresses well and he may well be available with the 26th pick of the draft.