Every summer, a new chapter begins—not just for hopeful young athletes, but for the storied franchises that draft them. For the Boston Red Sox, a team deeply woven into the fabric of baseball history, the 2025 MLB Draft was more than a selection of names—it was a statement. A declaration.
The Red Sox are building something. Quietly. Strategically. And when the dust settles, the next generation of Fenway legends could very well come from this year's draft class. In this in-depth feature, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the 2025 MLB Draft, breaking down Boston’s top picks, the strategy behind each selection, and what it all means for the franchise moving forward. Whether you’re a die-hard member of Red Sox Nation or just love the drama of the draft, consider this your all-access pass.
Boston’s 2025 Draft Strategy: Rebuilding With Brains and Boldness
Let’s start with the big picture.
After a few years of soul-searching and lineup juggling, the Red Sox front office, led by GM Craig Breslow, entered the 2025 Draft with clarity: invest in upside, lean into athleticism, and prioritize long-term development over quick fixes.
This year’s draft was loaded with high school phenoms, college standouts, and international buzz—Boston had its hands full. But with seven picks in the top five rounds, they had flexibility to make real noise.
The front office wasn’t just checking boxes. They were looking for cornerstones.
Round 1: A Star is Born – Kade Bennett, SS, Florida High School
With the 8th overall pick, Boston selected Kade Bennett, a high school shortstop out of Orlando, Florida.
Why it matters: This wasn’t just a best-player-available pick—it was a bet on star power. Bennett is a true five-tool player: blazing speed, silky-smooth glove, a cannon arm, and raw power that’s already drawing Alex Rodriguez comparisons.
Scouts say: “Bennett plays like he’s got Fenway in his DNA. He’s got that swagger, that poise. You can’t teach it.”
He’s expected to begin his career with the Greenville Drive, but don’t be surprised if he rockets through the system. His upside? Everyday All-Star. Face-of-the-franchise potential.
Projected ETA to Fenway: 2028
Round 2: Pitching with Purpose – Landon Hicks, RHP, LSU
Boston’s second-round pick addressed a longstanding organizational gap: frontline starting pitching.
Landon Hicks may have been overlooked by some due to a minor shoulder strain last season, but his talent is undeniable. The 6’4” right-hander has a plus fastball that touches 98, a devastating 12-6 curveball, and a work ethic that teammates rave about.
The Red Sox saw value where others saw risk. If he stays healthy, he’s a future No. 2 starter with ace upside.
Best-case comp: Jack Flaherty with better control.
Round 3: Swing for the Fences – Javier “Javi” Camargo, OF, Puerto Rico
Every draft needs a wild card. Boston’s came in Round 3.
Javier Camargo might not have played in a Power 5 conference, but this Puerto Rican slugger lit up international showcases all spring. Scouts clocked his bat speed as elite, and his lefty swing was tailor-made for Fenway’s right field porch.
Why this matters: Boston hasn’t developed a homegrown power outfielder since Mookie Betts. Camargo, with a little polish, could be the next big thing. He’ll need time to adjust to pro-level breaking balls, but his natural pop is undeniable. The Sox are betting on projection—and it might pay off huge.
The Casino Corner Moment
Some picks are safe. Some picks are risky. And then there are those “casino corner canada” moments—where a team pushes all its chips forward on a player with boom-or-bust potential.
Boston’s casino corner moment came in Round 4, when they selected Rico Harmon, a 17-year-old left-handed pitcher with electric stuff and almost no track record.
He didn’t play in a nationally televised high school program. He wasn’t ranked on every mock draft. But the Red Sox saw something special. Velocity. Attitude. Spin rate magic.
The analytics department reportedly lobbied hard for him. “If we’re wrong, he flames out in A-ball,” one insider said. “But if we’re right? We’ve got a Chris Sale-type arm before anyone else sees it coming.”
Round 5: The Catcher with Ice in His Veins – Marcus Talley, C, Oregon State
Behind the plate, Boston is thin. Enter Marcus Talley, a college catcher with a cannon arm and the kind of game-calling instincts coaches dream about.
He’s not flashy. He’s not a power hitter. But Talley is reliable, defensively sharp, and utterly unshakable under pressure.
Think: Jason Varitek with a touch of modern athleticism.
He’ll work well with Boston’s young arms and could evolve into a long-term starter or trusted backup by 2027.
Later Round Steals: The Value Hunters
Boston’s draft room didn’t go silent after Round 5. In fact, some of the most intriguing upside picks came in Rounds 6–10:
Tyce Jamison, LHP, Michigan State: Tall, deceptive delivery. Could be a bullpen weapon.
Elliot Park, 2B, Arizona JC: Undersized but relentless. Slashed .342 with a 1.020 OPS last season.
Benji Ortega, OF, Texas HS: Late bloomer with ridiculous bat speed and 20/20 upside.
These aren’t just filler picks—they’re calculated investments.
How This Draft Fits the Red Sox’s Rebuild Blueprint
Let’s zoom out.
Boston isn’t just stockpiling talent—they’re recalibrating their identity. The 2025 draft class was about long-term sustainability, not short-term splashes. In an AL East that’s rapidly evolving (hello, Orioles!), the Sox are playing the smart game.
Here’s how it all aligns:
Youth Movement: More than half of the picks were under 20.
Athleticism: Every position player drafted has above-average speed.
Pitching Upside: Three pitchers throw 95+ with room to grow.
Versatility: Multiple players can play two or more positions.
It’s a blueprint for success in modern baseball.
Fan Reactions: Hope is Back in Boston
If Twitter (or X) is any indication, Red Sox Nation is cautiously optimistic. While some fans wanted more polished college talent, most agree this draft feels intentional.
One user wrote:
“Haven’t been this excited for a Sox draft in years. Kade Bennett is HIM.”
Another:
“Feels like we’re finally swinging for the fences again. Let’s gooo!”
And perhaps the most Boston take of all:
“If Camargo hits 20 bombs by 2028, I’ll tattoo his number on my bicep.”
Looking Ahead: Projected 2028 Lineup?
Let’s dream a little. If development goes right, here’s what a future Fenway lineup could look like:
Position Player
SS Kade Bennett
CF Ceddanne Rafaela
DH Rafael Devers
RF Javier Camargo
1B Triston Casas
C Marcus Talley
2B Nick Yorke
LF Roman Anthony
3B Blaze Jordan
Pitching rotation? Landon Hicks might just be leading the charge.
Final Thoughts: The Red Sox Are Building Quietly, Boldly
Championships aren’t won on draft day—but dynasties often start there. For the Red Sox, the 2025 MLB Draft could be one of those turning points fans look back on and say: that’s when everything changed.
The team didn’t go for the obvious. They bet on upside, on character, on raw tools and potential greatness. It’s the kind of strategy that requires patience—but rewards belief. Much like casino corner games, it’s a calculated risk, where preparation meets opportunity and a single decision can change everything.
So next time you’re at Fenway, take a look beyond the Green Monster. Somewhere, deep in the farm system, the stars of tomorrow are already grinding for their shot.