The Red Sox have actually signed 2024 12th total choice Braden Montgomery, as initially reported by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. The 21-year-old outfielder will get a $5MM finalizing benefit, somewhat less than the $5.48MM slot worth of the 12th total choice.

After 2 years at Stanford University, Montgomery moved to Texas A&M for his junior year. Across 61 video games (295 PA), the effective switch-hitter batted .322 with 27 crowning achievement, helpful for a 1.187 OPS. While he likewise pitched in 25 video games over his 2 years with the Stanford Cardinal, he just pitched two times with the Aggies, quiting 4 made runs in 2 innings of work. While he can touch the mid-90s with his fastball, he will most likely concentrate on striking and playing the outfield as an expert.

Montgomery suffered an ankle injury in June, and he was seen riding around the draft on a scooter with his ideal foot in a strolling boot. However, Speier notes it is “not considered a major issue” for the young outfielder.

Many professionals (consisting of those at Baseball America and FanGraphs) anticipated Montgomery to be a top-10 choice in this year’s draft, so the Red Sox must be rather happy they landed him with the No. 12 choice. As Keith Law of The Athletic put it, “The Red Sox may have just gotten the steal of the draft so far.” Law had Montgomery as the No. 4 draft possibility on his pre-draft rankings. He explains the child as a “true switch-hitter,” though he keeps in mind that Montgomery’s struck tool and plate discipline are more powerful from the left side. Law likewise had full marks for his tossing arm, recommending he has a future as a plus protector in ideal field. Montgomery slots in as Boston’s No. 4 possibility, according to Baseball America. Due to his ankle injury, he will not debut in the Red Sox system till 2025.