​Early in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox surprised many by selecting a few players earlier than anticipated. Thanks to MLB bonus pools that teams can allocate across a draft class, Boston was able to take a bold swing later on, targeting Martin Shelar, a high school outfielder with tremendous upside. Shelar has a commitment to Mississippi State, and as such, teams aren’t certain he’ll sign, which explains why he remained available in the ninth round. The Red Sox likely believed they could offer him an over-slot deal to entice him to turn pro.
Shelar is certainly a prospect worth taking a chance on. Multiple scouting services ranked him among the top 150 players in this draft class. As a high school senior, he posted a .500 batting average with 19 home runs, a performance that drew a comparison to former Mariners slugger Jay Buhner. In the highlight reel, his bat speed is evident, underscoring the raw potential that has many evaluators excited about his future.
Of course, there is some risk in drafting Shelar. His college commitment to Mississippi State means he could opt to attend school rather than sign a professional contract. However, the risk is somewhat tempered by the fact that he was selected in the ninth round, where teams often bet on upside and potential rather than immediate contributions. If Boston can broker a deal that persuades Shelar to forgo college and sign, it could prove to be one of the most significant wins of this draft cycle.
For now, the Red Sox have positioned themselves to take a high-reward chance with Shelar, hoping to capitalize on a player with both standout present tools and the potential for substantial future development. As the 2026 season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see whether Boston can convert this ninth-round gamble into a cornerstone piece of their prospect pipeline.
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