Boston Red Sox 2023 MLB Draft Review

Most Interesting Day 2 Pick: SS Antonio Anderson, 3rd round

As an underclassman, Anderson established himself as one of the more impressive hitters in the 2023 prep class thanks to an advanced approach as well as contact and power from both sides of the plate. He’s also on the younger end for the class and doesn’t turn 18 until late June, 2023. Listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Anderson is a polished hitter who understands the strike zone and recognizes pitches well. It’s rare for him to chase outside of the zone, evidenced by a 13% chase rate in a 307-pitch sample in 2022, and when he does swing, he has a smooth stroke from both sides with good rhythm and balance. He shows more in-game power from the left side, but scouts think he has more raw power as a righthanded hitter. He’s got a chance for above-average on-base skills with above-average power potential as he fills out a frame that should get taller and stronger. A shortstop now, Anderson is a fringy runner who projects to be below-average in the future, and because of that and his lack of quick-twitch actions, he might profile better at third base. He has solid arm strength and has been into the low 90s as a pitcher, with reliable hands and actions as well that could suit the hot corner. Anderson’s offensive package as a switch-hitter and youth make him a potential top-two round selection, though he is committed to Georgia Tech.

Most Interesting Day 3 Pick: RHP Robert Orloski, 20th round

Only two high school players have been drafted and signed out of Idaho in the bonus pool era: outfielder Mason Smith in 2013 to the Padres and catcher Alex Guerrero in 2018 to the Yankees. In 2023, Orloski is the top name from the state, and if he is drafted and signed he’ll become the first pitcher of the group. A 6-foot-2, 175-pound righthander, Orloski has a high-energy windup and fast arm, with a few moving parts and some effort throughout his finish. He has mostly pitched in the 88-92 mph range, but will sit in the low 90s early in starts with bat-missing qualities to his fastball. During the 2022 Area Code Games, Orloski showed a 79-81 mph slurvy breaking ball that varied in shape but lacked hard bite, though scouts this spring have spoken more positively about his breaking ball and think it could become a solid secondary pitch. He has also flashed a decent low-80s changeup that has shown well versus lefthanders. Orloski played both ways for his Middleton High School team this spring and hit nearly .500, but his future lies on the mound. He’s committed to Texas-San Antonio.