In a surprising twist of events, the Boston Red Sox made a move that left fans buzzing with excitement during the MLB Draft. They selected Braden Montgomery, a Texas A&M outfielder, with the 12th overall pick. This came as a surprise to many, as most mock drafts had projected Montgomery to be taken in the top 10.

Montgomery's journey to the Red Sox hasn't been without obstacles. He suffered a broken right ankle during the NCAA Super Regionals, which may have contributed to his slide in the draft. Despite this setback, Montgomery remained optimistic and expressed gratitude for ending up with Boston.

The Red Sox scouting director, Devin Pearson, shared his excitement about adding Montgomery to the organization. He acknowledged that surprises are a part of the draft process, but was thrilled that Montgomery fell into their hands. Pearson highlighted Montgomery's exceptional skills and the potential he brings to the team.

The Red Sox had been keeping a close eye on Montgomery, following his successful performances in Mississippi, where he won the 2021 Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year for both his pitching and hitting. They also witnessed his contributions to Stanford's appearances in the College World Series during his time with the Cardinal.

Montgomery's reputation as a power-hitting outfielder was solidified during his tenure at Texas A&M. He showcased his ability to hit the ball out of the park with 27 home runs and demonstrated a strong arm both on the mound and in the outfield, reaching speeds of 100 mph.

The Red Sox decision to draft Montgomery also meant passing on a pitcher, which many had expected them to prioritize due to the team's need for high-end arms in their farm system. However, the allure of Montgomery's exceptional skill set proved too enticing to overlook.

In addition to Montgomery, the Red Sox also made a strategic move in the draft by selecting Payton Tolle, a left-handed pitcher from Texas Christian University, with the 38th overall pick. Tolle, who had an impressive season as the 2024 Big 12 Conference Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year, brings a dominant presence on the mound with his 6-foot-6 frame.

The Red Sox's decision to bolster their lineup with Montgomery's power and Tolle's impressive pitching highlights a strategic approach to building a well-rounded team. Fans are eagerly awaiting Montgomery's recovery from his ankle injury and anticipate his impact during spring training in Fort Myers, Florida.

The Red Sox's draft choices have left a positive buzz among fans, who are excited about the potential these talented young players bring to the organization. The future looks promising for Boston as they continue to make moves to strengthen their team.