I’m A Winner” | Braden Montgomery To The Boston Red Sox Seemed Inevitable. And It Was With The No.12 Overall Pick

The 2024 MLB Draft has come and gone, and it’s safe to say that most analysts predicted that the Boston Red Sox would take Texas A&M star Braden Montgomery.

 

That’s exactly what Red Sox brass did with their first-round pick and No.12 overall.

 

The talented 21-year-old began his college career at Stanford before transferring to College Station. He is known for his powerful bat and strong throwing arm, one that makes him an ideal right fielder at the major league level. But he’s viewed as someone who can play all over the outfield.

 

The 6-foot-2 and 220-pound Montgomery was the No.8 ranked prospect heading into the draft, but he slipped a bit after a late-season broken ankle. In many ways the Red Sox are getting a steal landing such a talented player with twelfth overall pick.

 

Oakland A’s Passed On Montgomery At No. 4

 

Prior to the draft the Oakland Athletics were reportedly leaning heavily toward taking him No.4 overall, but decided against it after the ankle injury.

 

 

Montgomery Is A Winner

 

Born in Iowa, but raised in Mississippi, Montgomery spent his first two seasons at Stanford before helping lead the Aggies to the College World Series losing in three games to the Christian Moore-led Tennessee Volunteers who went No.8 to the Los Angeles Angels.

 

During a zoom with Boston reporters following his selection, Montgomery let it be known what type of player the Red Sox were getting with him.

 

“They’re getting a winner that impacts everyone around them. I like to be loud with high energy and good vibes. I like to have fun. No one wants to be somewhere when people are dragging around and not enjoying themselves. I’m a winner and I’m gonna create a winning culture wherever I’m at.”

 

 

Montgomery Joins A Talented Red Sox Farm System

 

If there’s one thing the Red Sox have done, it’s stockpiled plenty of talent and Montgomery adds to that. In three seasons of college ball, he proved that he’s definitely one of the most talented players in this draft.

The switch-hitting maestro hit 62 homers, 44 doubles, and four triples over 187 career games. He batted .317 with a .428 on-base percentage, a .646 slugging percentage and a 1.073 OPS over that timeframe. That includes 27 homers, 14 doubles and a triple in his lone season in College Station. But it was his .733 slugging percentage and a 1.187 OPS over 61 games that stood out.

 

Montgomery’s Days On The Mound Are Likely Over

 

In all three of his collegiate seasons, Montgomery also took the mound as a pitcher, but he also saw his strikeout rate decline from (26.6 as a freshman to 20.0 as a junior).

 

 

Most of the success he had on the mound came early in his career, which he struck out 47 batters, but also issued 32 walks in just over 32 innings as a reliever.

His 8.54 ERA didn’t help matters, and once he transferred to Texas A&M he only saw action on the mound in two games.

 

His pitching prowess which saw him hit 97-98 MPH with his fastball is a huge reason why his throwing arm from the outfield is so strong. That allows him the versatility to be used at any of the three outfield spots.

 

Per team reports Montgomery and the Red Sox are in agreement on his contract and a signing and team presser are set to happen this coming weekend.