What Draft Experts Said About Red Sox First-Rounder Braden Montgomery

Braden Montgomery on Sunday became the latest impact prospect to watch in the Boston Red Sox’s talented farm system.

Boston drafted the Texas A&M outfielder with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Montgomery’s talent speaks volumes and impressed those around the game.

On the MLB Network broadcast, a number of voices weighed in on the Red Sox’s selection.

“He’s a top-five (pick),” Harold Reynolds offered. “They really got a gem here I believe.”

Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello went on to compare the newest Red Sox prospect to nine-time All-Star Carlos Beltrán. That would certainly benefit Montgomery if that’s where his potential leads him.

“This guy hits the ball exceptionally hard,” former Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “His bat speed of all college hitters registered near the top of the board. … What just landed in their lap is their starting right fielder in a few years.”

When Montgomery hopped on the MLB Network set later in the broadcast, Vitello raved about the Red Sox prospect’s character that he witnessed when Tennessee defeated Texas A&M for the national championship. Montgomery could not suit up due to an ankle injury but remained a prominent leader for the Aggies.

That type of character stood out to Vitello.

“Arguably the best player on a championship team,” Vitello told Montgomery. “You couldn’t play because of the injury, unfortunately. Your presence in the dugout was incredibly noticeable. How into the game you were. How you were behind your teammates you were. Of course, you would be, but it was at a different level. Your teammates know that and respect you for that.”

The consensus across the set on Sunday night? The Red Sox got a top-tier human being and an outstanding bat with power coming to the system.