The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft is two months away (July 11th exactly). One of the biggest questions is who the Boston Red Sox will take. Last year, they did make the playoffs, so they’re not exactly in a position for a high pick. Boston owns the 20th pick in the first round going into this draft. But there are still some pretty solid players being projected around that range. Here’s what they need, and five players, according to mock drafts, who the Sox could select.
Team Needs
Corner Infielders
The Red Sox have a desperate need for corner infield depth. Caleb Durbin looks like the mainstay at third base for now. But Isiah Kiner-Falefa is only on a one-year contract. Triston Casas’ injury timeline is unclear for the foreseeable future. And big bat Willson Contreras might be one of the names thrown out at the trade deadline if things get bad. In the Red Sox’s top 30 Prospects list, there are not really any corner infielders, let alone first basemen.
In terms of third, it could be possible for Mikey Romero to shift from shortstop to third base due to the jam created not only in the majors, but with Franklin Arias as well. But catcher Gerardo Rodriguez is the only guy on the list who’s listed as a possible first baseman. Certainly an area to keep an eye on.
Left Handed Pitching
Given how lefty-dominant the current rotation is, this may seem crazy. But in the top 30, there are over twice as many right-handers as left-handers at the top of the minors. More pitching is always good, regardless of what hand someone throws from. But with a lack of consistency in the bullpen (aside from Tyler Samaniego and a dominant but aging Aroldis Chapman), it might be good to search the left-hander department in this year’s draft.
Power Hitter
Alright, a little cheating here. Technically, a power hitter isn’t a position on the field (although a DH could be seen as one). But this team is struggling in that department. And if they could steal a big home run hitter in the first round, it might be good for their future after striking out on all the free agents.
With the 20th Pick, the Boston Red Sox Select…
MLB.com: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
Although drafting a shortstop would be questionable, with Arias and Dorian Soto in the top ten of Red Sox prospects, one could switch positions or be traded for a big piece. The switch-hitter possesses 20-homer power and has good bat speed. Before the 2026 season, he tore the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, but that wasn’t a huge setback as he returned a month into the season.
However, he will require surgery once the Wildcats’ season has ended. His best attribute is his arm. He’s said to have a strong enough arm that, combined with his athleticism, can make throws from anywhere. Also, because of his athletic ability, this opens him up to the possibility of a utility role, just like Andruw Monasterio with Boston this year.
Bleacher Report: Eric Becker, SS, Virginia
A teammate of Bell’s last summer in the Cape Cod League, Becker is also a super utility guy labelled as a shortstop. Unlike Bell, his arm is seen as just average by scouts. However, the bat he has is what makes him stand out. In his three years at Virginia, he has a career batting average of .349 and has a 60 hit grade in the scouting department.
While he may not be the biggest home run hitter, he can certainly get extra-base hits. With 13 doubles this season and 21 last season, in a park like Fenway, he should have no problem getting on base in a couple of years.
Baseball America: Jared Grindlinger, LHP/OF, Huntington Beach (CA) HS*
*= Paywall Included
One of the youngest players going into this year’s draft, Jared Grindlinger, is seen as a legitimate two-way player. At 49th overall, he is seen as the best two-way man on MLB’s draft page. While his bat needs a bit of development, given his age, the University of Tennessee commit’s arm is one to look out for.
The left-hander has a fastball that sits around 90-93 MPH, getting as high as 96. He’s also got a good changeup, as well as two different types of sliders. His pitch mix is good for someone his age, and he can certainly improve. With the Red Sox’s connection to California prospects the past few years, Grindlinger seems like one of the more likely candidates who should be around at 20.
Jared Grindlinger (‘26) turned in a stellar complete game performance and one of his best outings to date. The @Vol_Baseball commit & #MLBDraft prospect is surging like a 1st-rounder. Allowed 5H 0BB & struck out 7 on 90 pitches with a 72% strike rate. Bumped the FB to 96mph &… pic.twitter.com/aKxVQDddjf
— Perfect Game California (@California_PG) April 30, 2026
The Athletic: Bo Lowrance, 3B, Christ Church Episcopal (SC)
One of the surprise risers of this year’s draft, Bo Lowrance, has been said to go as high as the back end of the top ten as of late. So he may not be around. The rawness of him could see him slip a bit, though. At 6’5”, he’s big enough to get placed at third base.
Despite an above-average arm, there are concerns that he might not stay at third forever. From a hitting standpoint, he’s proven to hit well against good competition. However, home runs are not his strong suit. He has to get stronger if he wants to get the ball in the air. Given his frame, it could be possible that a conversation could be had to move him to first. The hitting could be fixed as well over time.
Bo Lowrance launched an absolute moonshot last night — a grand slam and his third homer of the spring.
Length, bat-to-ball skills, and power projection make for a really fun all-around offensive profile. He’s up to No. 59 on our updated draft board. pic.twitter.com/78kL0AM4me
— The Prospect Porch (@prospect_porch) March 26, 2026
LastWordOnSports: Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State
Reese has been a standout for the #13-ranked Bulldogs at third base. Offensively, he mashes home runs, with 18 this season and 21 last year. He gets on base (.429 OBP) as well as a good ability to draw walks (29). His ability to hit any pitcher should provide value as an everyday player on a team. The negatives surrounding him are his fielding. He’s said to have below-average athleticism, so playing the hot corner might not be the best scenario. That could prompt a move towards first base, should both sides agree to it.
Ace Reese DESTROYED this baseball 😳
The @HailStateBB junior’s 11th homer of the season goes 435 feet at 109 mph off the bat 🔥
(🎥@HailStateBB) pic.twitter.com/xDgWa8emqM
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) April 17, 2026
The Last Word
Writer’s Pick: Reese (HM: Grindlinger)
Grindlinger would be an interesting pick. There’s certainly intrigue in a young two-way player that can be developed. Especially with his pitching ability. However, Reese seems like the go-to pick here. A guy with his type of power and who can hit anywhere in the ballpark would draw almost any team’s attention. Should Boston move on from Casas, depending on what Contreras’s future with the team is, Reese could surely fit in at first base. Durbin’s too valuable on the defensive side, so the Red Sox should look at Reese first. He would check off two of the three possible biggest needs.
Main Photo Credit: Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
