John Tomase, Lou Merloni and Tom Giles debate whether the Red Sox are currently in better shape as an organization than the Yankees after Boston’s 3-game sweep in New York over the weekend.
The Boston Red Sox will have some intriguing choices when they're on the clock in next month's 2021 MLB Draft.
They'll have the fourth overall pick, marking the highest selection they've had since 1967 when they selected right-hander Mike Garman at No. 3. If they have their eye on pitching in this year's draft, two of college baseball's best arms could be available.
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SIGN UP HERE Vanderbilt's Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are almost unanimously expected to be the top two pitchers off the board. Leiter, whose father Al played 19 years in the big leagues, was 9-3 with a 2.22 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 89 innings pitched this season for the Commodores. Rocker was 12-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 144 Ks in 98 1/3 innings.
Both right-handers have been projected as Red Sox picks in recent mock drafts, but what if Boston decides to pass on a pitcher at No. 4?
Shortstops Jordan Lawlar and Marcelo Mayer are expected to be the first two position players selected. Louisville catcher Henry Davis has been mentioned as a possible option for the Red Sox with the fourth pick as well.
Here's a roundup of expert predictions for the Red Sox's fourth overall pick from recent 2021 MLB Mock Drafts.
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Carlos Collazo, Baseball America: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
Keith Law, The Athletic: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
Jonathan Mayo, MLB Pipeline: Jordan Lawlar, SS, Jesuit Prep (Dallas)
Kiley McDaniel, ESPN: Henry Davis, C, Louisville
Prospects Live: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
Michael Dault, Through The Fence Baseball: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
The 2021 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11-13.