Best Honorable Mentions
Judging the success of a draft years after it happens is a little unfair, but so are many other things in professional sports. In baseball especially, one or two big drafts and you can change the direction of your franchise. Both positive and negative, who you choose in the draft can be very important.
Since 2000, the Red Sox have had some very good drafts. One that comes to mind is 2014. The final draft that was spearheaded by former GM Ben Cherington, the 2014 draft has already reaped some rewards for Boston. Three of the top 10 prospects in the system were drafted just three years ago.
Michael Chavis, who is having a breakout season in Salem, was Boston’s first pick. Josh Ockimey, a first baseman who is continuing his 2016 success, was taken in the 5th round. Finally, this draft has seen a player make a major league impact, as Sam Travis (2nd round pick) looked great in his two week long stint in Boston. And that is without mentioning a key piece to the Chris Sale trade, first round pick Michael Kopech.
The 2005 Draft was not too shabby, either. Jacoby Ellsbury was the 1st pick by the Red Sox, and he proved to be a valuable member of two championship teams. Clay Buchholz was someone who was marred by inconsistency in Boston, but was a very solid draft pick. Jed Lowrie, while not having the best career, has been an everyday player for multiple years in the majors. Having to progress through many levels of professional baseball, Lowrie has served as a solid veteran.
But, these drafts pale in comparison to what has been the best Red Sox draft in recent memory. When you look to the mastermind behind it, it is no surprise.