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Red Sox Draft: Top-five 1st round picks in franchise history

By Sean Penney

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 29: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a soft infield single in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 29: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a soft infield single in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 29: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a soft infield single in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 29: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a soft infield single in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

It’s still very early in the career of the 23-year old outfielder but the early returns suggest that Andrew Benintendi was a fantastic selection with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

While he was overshadowed by Aaron Judge last year, there’s no shame in finishing as the runner-up to the Yankees slugger in the Rookie of the Year race. Benintendi had a promising rookie year, hitting .271 with a .776 OPS. He was one of only nine major league players to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases last season.

While some young players struggle through a Sophmore slump, Benny has taken a leap in his second full season. He enters the day hitting .296 and ranks 9th in the American League with a .918 OPS. He’s on pace to join the 20/20 club again with 9 homers and 9 steals already, giving him a shot at a rare 30/30 season.

Perhaps Benintendi will climb this list as he continues to pile up career accomplishments but it’s far too soon for that. He earns a top-five spot on this list based on his early success and vast potential but that’s as high as he goes for now.

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