Boston Red Sox
· 2026-07-08
Boston Red Sox are circling a top local high‑school pitcher as a potential pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, hoping the arm can help a 41-48 team that sits 10th in the American League and just posted a 1-8 victory over the Chicago White Sox on July 7.
The prospect, 18‑year‑old right‑hander Ethan McCarthy from Boston Latin School, logged a 0.85 ERA with 112 strikeouts over 78 innings last season. Scouts praised his mid‑90s fastball and a developing slider that kept batters guessing. McCarthy was named the Massachusetts High School Player of the Year, and his hometown ties make him a natural fit for Fenway Park.
The Red Sox bullpen has struggled, posting a league‑worst 4.67 ERA through 70 games. Adding a high‑velocity arm could give manager Alex Cora a fresh lever for late‑inning situations. With the club on a four‑game winning streak, the front office sees the draft as a chance to inject youth before the trade deadline.
Boston has leaned on home‑grown talent in recent years, promoting players like Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts from the farm system. Targeting McCarthy aligns with that philosophy and could save money on free‑agent contracts while still addressing the pitching depth chart. The organization also hopes the local story will energize a fan base that’s been restless during a sub‑.500 season.
Scouts will attend McCarthy’s senior showcase on July 15, where he’ll face elite competition from the New England region. If he impresses, Boston could select him in the first round, likely trading up a spot to ensure they lock him down. The team’s front office expects to announce its draft plan during the pre‑draft press conference on July 20.
Boston Red Sox remain 10th in the AL with a 41-48 record, riding a four‑game winning streak after the 1-8 win at Chicago on July 7. The draft could be the catalyst the club needs to climb the standings before the season’s final stretch.