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Red Sox 2017 Draft Preview: 5 possible first-round picks

By Mike El-Far

Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski speaks with the media before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski speaks with the media before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A Toronto Blue Jays glove and ball sit on the field during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A Toronto Blue Jays glove and ball sit on the field during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Allen

Even though this is a pitcher-heavy draft, there are some concerns with taking pitchers this early in the draft. One, the fail rate for pitching prospects is much higher than position players. Also, the development for a pitcher, especially a starter, normally is longer.

An exciting position player that could be taken by Boston is Nick Allen. Allen is a prep school shortstop from California. He has risen up through draft boards over the past two months due to one facet of his game: his defense.

There is no doubt that Nick Allen can be a great defender at the MLB level. He makes tough plays look effortless, and has a cannon of an arm. Allen is someone who will be able to make any plays you ask for him at the next level.

What makes him intriguing to Boston is where they can use him. First, Allen seems to be the perfect fit to replace fan-favorite Dustin Pedroia. Allen plays amazing defense, and his bat should be able to hit above average at the next level. With his development probably being over three years, he could be the next great second baseman for Boston.

Also, there is a chance he could play at his position for the Red Sox. With the current young core that Boston has, there is no guarantee all of those players re-sign. Xander Bogaerts could very well be the odd man out, and Nick Allen could be the player to replace him. Many front office members for Boston remember the days of Alex Gonzalez and Julio Lugo, so getting a shortstop of the future could be high on their priorities.

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