July 12, 2021 at 1:12 PM
Red Sox select Jud Fabian with second-round pick
With its second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Boston has selected Jud Fabian, an outfielder out of the University of Florida. He is ranked 27th by Baseball America, 23rd by MLB Pipeline, and 32nd by Perfect Game USA.
Fabian would have been a top prospect coming out of high school in 2019, but enrolled early at the University of Florida. Because of that early enrollment, Fabian is one of the youngest college players eligible at only 20 years, 9 months. He is a right-handed hitter who throws left-handed.
The 6-foot-2 Fabian has played excellent defense in center field for the Gators, but the bat has been more inconsistent. He entered the 2021 college season a potential top-five pick after dominating the Cape Cod League and Florida Collegiate League. He slumped to start the year, with 45 strikeouts through his first 25 games. A swing adjustment to cut down on his leg kick took effect and he hit .275/.405/.612 with a strikeout rate that ticked under 25 percent in his final 27 games, boosting his final line to .249/.364/.560. He also finished second in the SEC with 20 home runs.
Per Baseball America, Fabian should have "no issues" sticking in center field at the next level, praising his "defensive instincts, first step, reads off the bat, athleticism and arm strength" and noting that some scouts have gone so far as putting a double-plus grade on the defense. The swing-and-miss in his game caused his stock to drop, but he maintains upside as a power threat who provides plus defense at a key position.
Photo Credit: Jud Fabian from University of Florida Gators