3 Underrated Red Sox Draft Picks Who Can Rise Quickly Through the Farm System

The 2026 MLB Draft has come and gone, as the Boston Red Sox made 19 selections while Craig Breslow kept to his usual strategy of drafting pitchers and supplementing them with position players. While that manifested in a different manner from Breslow’s usual style, the organization still drafted 11 pitchers. Of the 19 picks, 17 were signed as the organization was unable to come to terms with 15th-round pick Chase Frey and 18th-round pick Ethan Offing.

While names like Jake Schaffner, Owen Hull, Martin Shelar and Kaleb LaFavor have been mentioned a lot due to their talent and money tied into them, there are plenty more who have a chance to become key prospects within the organization. Today, we’re going to look at three underrated prospects that will make an immediate impact in the farm system.

#3: Wills Maginnis, SS, Round 11

Maginnis is a high floor but lower ceiling prospect who should enter the system with the ability to play all over the field. His hitting followed the theme of great bat-to-ball skills that the organization targets with their position players. The infielder has a solid contact tool and good plate discipline which leads to him getting on base often, though he has below-average power that could improve over time if he adds mass to his body and gets under the ball more. To go along with his hit tool, his defense is his carrying tool, as he has the ability to play second base, shortstop and third base.

Maginnis could remain at shortstop full time as well thanks to his footwork, athleticism and above-average arm. After spending two seasons at Georgia State, there’s a chance he’ll play some affiliate level baseball with Salem or possibly even Greenville before the season concludes.

#2: Lucas Davenport, RHP, Round 5

Breslow likes pitchers who are tall, have a great fastball, and possess elite extension. Davenport checks off all three boxes. Standing at 6-foot-6, Davenport wields a high-90s fastball that gets on hitters quick thanks to a huge stride off the mound.

This is a pitcher who will attack hitters with his fastball, cutter, slider and a changeup that’s a work in progress. Of his pitches, the slider is the best, as it sits 81 to 83 mph and has late break that generates whiffs in the zone. While being a work in progress, his changeup has shown amazing depth and could eventually become an above-average pitch. The fifth-round pick also has a deceptive delivery that keeps batters uncomfortable and off-balance.

The right-hander pitched two seasons for Baylor, including his final season as a starter. He'll begin his pro career in the rotation, though he has the raw stuff to succeed in the bullpen. His addition to the system will provide the Red Sox with a talented pitcher that should flourish in Breslow’s pitching lab.

#1: Jacob Webster, SS, Round 12

Webster is the only prep player on this list, but he has great potential and could end up being one of the top players from this draft class if his hit tool develops. Drafted as a shortstop, the 18-year-old is incredibly athletic and a switch-hitter. Tall and lean, he should add muscle upon joining the organization and being put on their training program.

Where most of Webster’s value will come from early on is his speed and power, with the former being viewed as a future plus tool for the young infielder. The Red Sox do not have much power in the organization, and Webster could help provide some in the lower minors.

Defensively. he moves well and has quick hands. Though due to the likelihood of growing even more, there’s a good chance he moves to third base , here he should remain a good defender.

The infielder is a high-risk, high-reward prospect entirely because of his underdeveloped bat-to-ball skills. Should he develop as the Red Sox hope, he could turn into a 20-20 threat thanks to his speed and power profile. The Red Sox don’t have many players like that in the minors and Webster could help transform their middle infield prospect depth.

Interested in learning more about the Boston Red Sox's top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!