With college hitters in high demand, it didn’t take long for Braden Montgomery to find an MLB home.
The Boston Red Sox selected the Texas A&M outfielder with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft at Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum. Before transferring to A&M in 2023, Montgomery stood out as a two-way performer at Stanford.
Montgomery (6-2, 220 pounds) was a key part of the Aggies’ successful 2024 season but missed out on much of their College World Series run with an ankle injury. He last suited up for A&M in a Super Regional matchup with Oregon in June, going down with an injury that forced him to go off the field in an aircast.
Montgomery slashed .322/.454/.733 with 27 home runs and 85 RBIs in 2024, earning ABCA/Rawlings first-team All-American honors. He also pitched in two games, posting an 18.00 ERA.
Despite the season-ending injury, MLB.com ranked Montgomery as the No. 8 prospect in this year’s draft. According to his prospect ranking profile, Montgomery could find success as a switch hitter at the next level.
“With average speed and plus-plus arm strength, Montgomery fits best in right field,” Montgomery’s MLB.com profile read. “As a pitcher, he can reach 96 mph with his fastball and miss some bats with his low-80s slider and mid-80s changeup. His lack of control and command limit his effectiveness, however, and he has a much higher ceiling and floor as an outfielder.”
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