Braden Montgomery Scouting Report: Get To Know Red Sox’s 2024 First-Round Pick

Get ready for switch-hitting power

The Boston Red Sox watched a top talent fall to them in the draft for the second straight season.

Last year, it was Kyle Teel going to Boston at No. 14 overall. In 2024, the Red Sox selected Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery with the No. 12 overall pick.

Montgomery switch hit during his college career and made a defensive impact in right field to complement his power at the plate. Once again, the Red Sox appear to have an impact bat joining the farm system.

Montgomery’s MLB.com scouting report reflects that with a 70-grade arm in the field and 60-grade power at the plate (20-80 scale).

Here’s what MLB.com’s scouting report had to say about the Red Sox selection:

“Montgomery had more of a hit-over-power profile in high school but that has reversed in college. A switch-hitter with strength and a quick, aggressive stroke from both sides of the plate, he does more damage as a lefty hitter and his plus power plays to all parts of the ballpark. He has improved his plate discipline and his ability to handle breaking balls during the last two seasons, but he still swings and misses at pitches in the zone a bit too often and will chase non-fastballs. … With average speed and plus-plus arm strength, Montgomery best fits in right field.”

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Prospectslive.com had similar sentiments to offer on the power-hitting outfielder on his way to the Red Sox:

“His swing looks much more connected (especially from the left side) and he’s making better swing decisions. There isn’t much adjustability in his swing, so there’s some swing-and-miss on soft stuff away, but he gets really good plate coverage and will hammer just about everything else. … Defensively, Montgomery is passable, but his bat carries his profile. He doesn’t get great reads or take great routes, but he makes the plays he needs to. Alas, he does possess double plus arm strength, but usually it takes a long wind up for him to get to it. He’s a below average runner, so he should have a home in right long term.”

The Red Sox added another talented bat to a farm system with deep talent among position players.