Players to Watch Out for This Season from Red Sox 2024 Draft
Prior to last season, the Boston Red Sox had a pitching development problem.
The organization had not given out a bonus over a million dollars to a pitcher since 2017 when the team drafted Tanner Houck in the first round. That changed in 2024, when the Red Sox gave out two (if you want to count a two-way player towards this) and were very pitching heavy in the draft.
It’s no secret the Red Sox used the draft last year as a way to replenish the arms in the minor leagues. They drafted 15 pitchers and added another as an undrafted free agent. They drafted 7 hitters but ultimately ended up trading their top pick, Braden Montgomery, in the package to get Garrett Crochet. Regardless, there are still a few position players that should peak your interest.
Payton Tolle
With the departure of Montgomery, Tolle is now the top Red Sox draft pick from last season still in the organization after being selected in the second round. Listed at 6-6 and 250 pounds, the 22-year-old lefty features a 94-96 MPH fastball, a changeup, slider, and sweeper in his pitch arsenal.
The Oklahoma native put up a highly successful last season in TCU’s rotation leading up to being drafted by the Red Sox. Tolle seems like a lock to start the 2025 season as a member of the Greenville Drive’s starting rotation.
Brandon Clarke
When I saw Clarke on the backfields down in Fort Myers, I thought I was looking at a guy who could be a starting linebacker for an SEC defense. While only being listed at 6-4 and 220 pounds, the lefty most certainly looks more built than listed.
Red Sox fans got their first glimpse of their 5th round pick in the Spring Breakout game, where he threw two innings of work. He showed flashes of his 100 MPH fastball while generating 7 whiffs during his outing. Still just 21-years-old, the Virginia native seems like a lock to join Tolle as a member of the Greenville Drive’s starting rotation.
Conrad Cason
Cason is one of the most intriguing and fun prospects in the Red Sox system due to his status as a two-way player.
The guarantee from the team that he could continue to play both ways secured his commitment to begin his professional career with the Red Sox after they drafted him with their 8th round selection. All throughout spring, Cason was spotted doing fielding drills with the lower level infielders while also heading to the field warming up with the pitching group.
While still only 18 years old, the right-hander has been clocked at 100 MPH in his high school career while also being one of the better hitters in the Atlanta area that is stocked full of high end high school talent.
It will be interesting what Cason’s role looks like once the season begins but he should be a lock to start the year in Salem potentially pitching in the starting rotation while getting some at-bats on his non-pitching days.
Brady Tygert
This is the “sleeper” pick of the group given that Tygert was selected in the 12th round of the draft last year.
The right-hander shined for the University of Arkansas against a stacked SEC conference over his three years pitching in Fayetteville. He features a fastball that tops out in the mid-90’s, along with a curveball, sweeper, and changeup.
After receiving an above slot bonus as a day three guy of the draft, the Red Sox saw something they liked in Tygert. The 22-year-old will look to join Tolle and Clarke as members of the Greenville Drive’s starting rotation.
Honorable Mentions
Brandon Neely was the Red Sox third round pick who was set to start the year in Greenville’s rotation before he landed on the 60-day IL with forearm stiffness.
Zach Ehrhard was the team’s fourth round selection and is now the highest drafted hitter left after the Montgomery trade. He will be starting in Greenville’s outfield.
Alex Bouchard was drafted in the 14th round after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2024. The 21-year-old hit 98 MPH on the radar gun in the same game he tore his UCL. It remains to be seen if he debuts in 2025 but he will spend at least the majority of the season rehabbing down in Fort Myers.
Red Sox make 5 roster cuts including optioning Vaughn Grissom to Triple-A Worcester
The Red Sox made five roster moves on Wednesday, optioning infielder Vaughn Grissom and right-handed pitchers Josh Winckowski and Luis Guerrero to Triple-A Worcester. The team also reassigned catcher/first baseman Nathan Hickey and catcher Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.