Red Sox Projected to Land Top Prep Star in MLB Draft

This year’s MLB Draft is projected to be one of the best ones in several years, and that could play into Boston’s hand perfectly at No. 12 overall on Sunday.

There are so many college stars available that some MLB insiders aren’t projecting a high school player to be selected within the Top 10 picks. 

That means the Red Sox could wind up with an elite talent that typically wouldn’t be available so late.

Keith Law of The Athletic projected Boston would nab Jackson Prep (MS) SS/OF Konnor Griffin with their first-round pick in his latest mock draft, which would be a steal by anyone's measurement.

Red Sox Could Land National High School Player of the Year

It can be frustrating to watch your team spend a first-round pick on a high school player because they take much longer to develop than seasoned college prospects.

But that isn’t the case with Griffin. 

The Gatorade National High School Player of the Year is a five-tool prospect who has impressive power, speed, and an elite arm. 

Griffin won four straight state championships with Jackson Prep and is coming off a senior season in which he posted a ludicrous statline. 

He hit .559 with 76 runs, 87 stolen bases (most in the nation), and nine home runs in just 43 games. In any other year, he could have a real chance to be drafted No. 1 overall.

In this loaded draft class, he’s ranked as the No. 1 prep player by MLB Pipeline and the No. 9 overall prospect in the draft.

"“Griffin is a real wild card in the draft, with the tools to go 1-1 but real questions about how well he can hit pro pitching right now, especially since there’s no short-season league to send guys to after the draft (another genius move by MLB). If he’s gone, I think the Red Sox go college — Christian Moore, Waldschmidt or Yesavage.”"

- Keith Law, The Athletic

Despite being just 18-years-old, Griffin is already filling out his 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame and it’s fun to imagine how that could translate to even more power.

"“His combination of electric bat speed, strength and leverage could translate into 30-homer power as he learns to drive the ball in the air more consistently.

Griffin also has well-above-average speed, giving him 30-30 upside. Scouts project him as a plus defender at shortstop and a possible Gold Glover in center field. The Louisiana State commit covers plenty of ground with long strides at both positions and also offers a strong arm that has been clocked up to 96 mph off the mound.”"

- MLB.com

Of course, you could argue that the Red Sox are in a position to contend with some better pitching, and thus should target someone like East Carolina’s Trey Yesavage, but it’s hard to pass up on a potential All-Star player like Griffin. 

The good news for Red Sox fans is that you really can’t go wrong with whoever is selected so early in this draft, but it’s fun to dream of what Griffin can become. 

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