2026 Red Sox Draft Preview

It’s that time of year again: the MLB Draft kicks off Saturday, July 11 at 1:30 pm ET. Day One will feature the first four rounds - 135 picks in total - while Day Two resumes Sunday at 1:00 pm with rounds 5 through 20. The Red Sox enter the weekend with three selections in the top 100: No. 20 (first round), No. 67 (acquired in the Kyle Harrison/Caleb Durbin trade), and No. 96 (third round). Their second-round pick was forfeited after signing Ranger Suárez in free agency.

You can follow every Red Sox pick with us at SoxProspects.com, where we’ll have coverage on SoxProspects News, the 2026 Draft page, and the @SoxProspects Twitter account. To get you ready, here’s a look at some potential first-round targets and notable local prospects.

First Round Targets (No. 20 Overall)

Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State Tall left-hander with a polished four-pitch mix. His fastball touches 98 mph, and he’s performed well both in the Cape League and with Team USA.

Brody Bumila, LHP, Bishop Feehan HS (MA) Massachusetts Player of the Year in both basketball and baseball. The 6’9” Texas commit can already run his fastball past 100 mph. His secondary pitches are still developing but flash average-or-better upside.

Bo Lowrance, 3B, Christ Church Episcopal (SC) Left-handed hitter with a smooth, projectable swing and an above-average arm. Has flashed solid power but may not have big power upside. Long-term defensive home at third base remains a question.

Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida A tall righty with three above-average or better offerings. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can reach 99 mph. There’s a chance he’s off the board before No. 20.

Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M Toolsy center fielder with an exciting blend of power, speed, and arm strength. The hit tool is currently fringe-average, and he may eventually shift to right field.

AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia One of the class’s best pure hitters, with left-handed power and an advanced approach. Not a standout athlete, but his instincts play up. Could land in left field long term.

Jared Grindlinger, LHP/OF, Huntington Beach (CA) Legitimate two-way player reclassed from the class of 2027. Just turned 17. Three above-average pitches including a mid-90s fastball. Contact hitter. Committed to Tennessee.  

Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State Plus power paired with a solid hit tool. There’s a chance he moves across the diamond to first base, but the bat may be strong enough to carry the profile.

Local Products

Beyond Bumila, several New England prospects could hear their names called this weekend, including:

• Bryce Hill, RHP, Greenwich Country Day (CT)
• Kaiden McCarthy, RHP, Vermont Academy
• DJ Aiello, RHP, Northeastern
• Gavin Fazio, C, Boston College
• Bradley McCafferty, C, Austin Prep (MA)
• Brett Gallo, C, St. Sebastian’s (MA)

Tweet