Red Sox Draft: Top five draft picks from team’s current roster

As we approach the 2019 MLB Draft, take a look at the best selections the Red Sox have made through the process over the last decade or so.

The MLB Draft is often overlooked by a number of sports fans. As the majority of players selected don’t get their shot at the majors for a number of years, usually, there seems to be a very small spotlight on baseball’s draft process when compared to the other major sports leagues across the US.

This year, the Red Sox don’t make their selection until the second round (32nd overall pick). However, there’ll be plenty to keep an eye on, regarding the Sox’s draft. Last year, Boston’s first draft pick (26nd overall) turned out to be Triston Casas, a third baseman who’s been performing well at the plate for Single-A Greenville, this season.

As part of BoSox Injection’s build-up to the 2019 MLB Draft, here we’ll revisit the top five picks that the franchise has made, out of the current roster. Boston’s current squad is filled with elite talent that’s been collected in many different ways.

From the free agent signing of a young Xander Bogaerts to the trade for veteran ace Chris Sale, the front office has had to make various different plays to form this current World Series defending roster. Many of the faces on this roster, however, have come organically, through the draft system. We’re going to take a look at the best picks the Sox have made to shape their current team.

5. Christian Vazquez

The Sox selected their current catcher, Christian Vazquez, in the ninth round of the 2008 draft. Christian has now been a part of the organization for over a decade, signing at 17-years-old. Going through the farm system, Vazquez finally made his MLB debut for the Sox in the 2014 season, where he showed plenty of potential on both ends.

He appeared in 55 games for the Sox, during his first year in Boston, and recorded an impressive 20 RBI.

Since his original call-up, Vazquez has shown a lot of potential and has developed into a solid catching option. He’s not among the most elite, behind the plate, but he’s always been a good asset when needed.

His offensive game has shown signs of unreliability over the years, but, as this season so far has shown, he can be a very productive hitter. He’s already broken his single-season record in home runs, with seven on the year, thus far, and has shown no signs of slowing down.

If Vazquez can keep his form up, he’ll be a key piece of this Sox team that is finding their feet on the way to a title defense. Sharing time with Sandy Leon, behind the plate, Vazquez has seen his playing time limited.

However, if he keeps on hitting like he has been and continues to be what the Sox need behind the plate, his minutes will continue to increase and he’ll continue to be an important player for this Sox side.

4. Jackie Bradley Jr.

After getting selected 40th overall, back in 2011, Jackie Bradley Jr. has endured a great career in Boston. First and foremost, he’s played center field better than anybody in this historic ballclub’s history. Winning his first Gold Glove, last season, JBJ’s work on the defensive end was finally underlined by the league.

He’s one of the elite defenders in the league, and his athleticism that he’s displayed on countless occasions, producing superman-like catches in the middle of the park, is second to absolutely none, which signifies him as an ever so more than worthy draft choice by the Sox.

Jackie hasn’t put a foot wrong through his career in Boston, defensively. There’ve been real concerns over his hitting, none so more than this season, however, he’s always shown that he has plenty of pop in his bat. Winning the ALCS MVP, last season, JBJ produced a number of key runs on the Sox’s way to their ninth franchise World Series championship.

Bradley’s best overall year came in 2016 when he won All-Star honors for a tremendous two-way season. JBJ tallied a career-high, thus far, 87 RBI with 26 bombs on the year. There’s no doubt that he’s been one of the best defenders the last few seasons.

With more solid consistency at the plate, JBJ can definitely become an All-Star again – he just needs to keep his May form up. This pick was definitely one of the most important the Sox made over the last couple of decades.

3. Michael Chavis

Since selecting Michael Chavis in the opening round of the 2014 draft, his potential has been the most exciting thing about the Red Sox farm system. Clearly the Sox’s most exciting prospect, right now, Chavis has set off fireworks in his first major league stint. After getting the call-up, back in April, he’s settled into the major league team as easily as can be.

Since getting the call, the 23-year-old has been one of Boston’s best offensive players. He’s already hit double digits in terms of home runs, and he’s been one of the more productive hitters on this squad, with 27 RBI.

Chavis is currently hitting .263, but this average has shown the potential of being able to stay around the .300 mark, with progress. He has shown his defensive promise by playing numerous positions in the Red Sox infield. His ability to fill in at any base will prove vital for the Sox at the integral parts of this season.

Right now, it seems as though the youngster will take a lot of the workload at the first base position. However, in terms of the long haul, it’ll be vital for Chavis to lock down a position, whether it’s 1B, 2B, or 3B. For now, he’s doing what he needs to do for the team and himself, performing and getting in the at-bats.

2. Andrew Benintendi

Picking up Andrew Benintendi with the seventh pick in the 2015 draft seems like one of the smartest moves a team could make in the draft. With one of the most beautiful swings in the game, Andrew has become a vital part of this Red Sox side. At only 24-years-old, he’s gained more major league experience than plenty of vets have.

After a short stint in Boston, in the 2016 season, Benintendi showed he was the real deal and would be a major leaguer for a long time. He solidified this testament by putting together a tremendous first full season in 2017.

He ultimately finished second in the Rookie of the Year race – a race which he would’ve won in any year that the only competition was a guy by the name of Aaron Judge. Benny developed a solid .352 OBP in 2017 and was one of the integral bats as he produced 90 RBI for his side – helping the Sox win their second successive AL East title.

Last season, he improved in basically every category – showing the growth of his game, and becoming an elite talent. At just 23, Benintendi was one of the Red Sox’s key players in a team full of stars.

The moment he’ll be remembered for in the 2018 campaign, which ended with a championship, was that catch in Houston – perhaps, the greatest catch in franchise history. However, his ability to do just about anything was a huge factor in the entirety of that record-breaking season.

This season, there have been some tough moments, as he began 2019 leading off – not getting going as well as he would’ve liked. Moving down a few spots will help get his rhythm back and hopefully we’ll see him continue to build on what we’ve already seen to be terrific talent.