Draft Analyst Glimpses Into Future Of Red Sox’s Braden Montgomery
Braden Montgomery became the latest addition to the Red Sox farm system when Boston drafted him No. 12 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old certainly had top-10 talent in the draft despite making it to the No. 12 selection. Nonetheless, one draft analyst believes that more than benefits Boston. “I think it was […]
Braden Montgomery became the latest addition to the Red Sox farm system when Boston drafted him No. 12 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.
The 21-year-old certainly had top-10 talent in the draft despite making it to the No. 12 selection. Nonetheless, one draft analyst believes that more than benefits Boston.
“I think it was an A+ pick for the Red Sox,” Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty told NESN.com.
Montgomery’s profile centers around power, both with his bat and with his arm in right field.
“The hit and the power obviously stand out,” Flaherty explained. “It’s plus from both sides of the plate, especially the left side. The operation is ultra-explosive. He’s a really good athlete in the box. He’s a really good athlete in the field, too.”
Flaherty continued: “I think the most underrated part of his game is the hit tool that’s ever improving. It’s just gotten better and better, year over year between Stanford and Texas A&M. I saw it last summer on the Cape. If the hit tool can continue to improve and even end up as potentially above average, he has this upside already. He has high impact big leaguer, I think, written all over him.”
Several of Montgomery’s former coaches raved to NESN.com about the work ethic and character that extend with Montgomery beyond his on-field abilities. Additionally, Montgomery is no stranger to pressure-filled games and performing under the bright lights. Flaherty echoed that belief in the first-rounder’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“I think it’s a huge positive in his profile and a nice cherry on top,” Flaherty said. “… I think he’s made for the big moment and he thrives in big-time situations. He’s a perfect example of the phrase, ‘Big-time players make big-time plays.’ That is Braden Montgomery.”
While Montgomery’s injury recovery — he’s dealing with an ankle injury — will determine when he takes the field within the organization, the first-rounder adds even more intrigue to an already talented Red Sox farm system.