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Red Sox: Best and Worst MLB Drafts of this century

By Mike El-Far

Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) shows the umpire the ball after a play at the plate in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) shows the umpire the ball after a play at the plate in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrates his home run in the dugout in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrates his home run in the dugout in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2011 Draft

Ah, the 2011 Draft. It has become almost commonplace to know how amazing this draft is, as it is mentioned at least once a week on the broadcast. Why is that? For one, it was the final draft made by the greatest GM in the history of baseball. That would be none other than Theo Epstein, otherwise known as “The Curse-Breaker.”

Let’s look at some of these picks. We cannot start the discussion about the 2011 Draft without mentioning the 172nd pick. Mookie Betts somehow was a 5th round pick, and all he has done is been one of the best young players in all of baseball. Just five years after being selected in the 5th round, Betts was the runner-up for the AL MVP award.

Everyone knows how great Betts is, but who else makes this draft great? Two teammates of Betts were taken in the 1st round in 2011. Matt Barnes, the former UConn standout, has been a solid piece of the bullpen this year. Also, Jackie Bradley was another 1st round selection. Being one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, it is safe to say Epstein made the right selection.

What truly makes this draft amazing is the multitude of talent. The Red Sox ended up having four first round picks as compensation for losing Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre in free agency. Blake Swihart was yet another first round selection by Boston, and has been blocked from being a part of the Boston Red Sox.

Also, Epstein found even more value in the 9th round. Travis Shaw was taken out of Kent State University, and turned into being a good major league player. Currently a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, he is having a career year. At the very least, he contributed stability at the hot corner last year for Boston, and having one of the best nicknames of all time.

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