Red Sox receive high praise from MLB Draft expert for first two picks

MLB Draft expert Keith Lawn loves the first two 2023 MLB Draft picks for the Red Sox and Boston fans should be just as excited.

The Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a really tough spot in 2023. They have the top end talent to compete for an above .500 record but being .500 isn’t good enough in the loaded AL East.

They need a great 2023 MLB Draft class to help build their farm system up to compete with the loaded systems in the AL East. This began in the first round at pick 14, when the Red Sox were able to land a catcher who had no business dropping out of the top 10.

Red Sox were able to land Virginia C Kyle Teel and High School SS Nazzan Zanetello on Day 1 of the MLB Draft

“I love Boston’s two picks – a safe college who has some ceiling because of the bat (Kyle Teel), and then one of the most electric, high upside high school position players (Nazzan Zantello).” MLB Draft expert Keith Law wrote.

When Boston fans watched the stud catcher from Virginia land in their laps at pick 14, excitement coursed through their veins. Many draft experts viewed Kyle Teel as a top-10 pick, with him even venturing into the top-6 or 7 picks in the draft in some cases. His plus athleticism, plus arm, and plus hit tool creates high upside for the young backstop.

Despite the Red Sox first pick being so exciting, there may not be a more intriguing pick in the entire draft than their second pick, Nazzan Zanetello. The high school shortstop has the realistic possibility to grow into a true 5-tool player as he adds onto his 6’2 frame. MLB Pipeline rates him with at least a 50-grade on their 20-80 grade scale on all five tools they rate, including a 55 grade for his run tool, power tool, and arm tool.

The Red Sox went safe and then went with an incredibly high ceiling prospect. Their 2023 MLB Draft couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start. Draft experts are excited for you Boston, the Boston faithful should be too.