The Boston Red Sox are preparing to strengthen their roster by selecting promising young talent in the 2024 MLB Draft. After choosing Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery in the first round, the team is expected to pick Mill Creek High School’s shortstop Daniel Pierce, aiming to address the future shortstop gap as Trevor Story ages. This decision reflects the Red Sox’s strategy to build around a Trevor Story replacement Red Sox young star draft pairing, focusing on gradual development and long-term success.
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports forecasts the Red Sox, holding the 15th overall pick, will draft Pierce, a high school infielder from Hoschton, Georgia. As a right-handed hitter and thrower standing 6’1″ and weighing 185 pounds, Pierce is set to turn 19 in August and is currently committed to the University of Georgia.
Daniel Pierce’s Skills and Projected Potential
Daniel Pierce is considered a well-rounded athlete with impressive offensive and defensive tools. He boasts a 60 grade for hitting, matched by a 60 for runs, a 50 in power, a 55 arm, and a 55 fielding score, leading to an overall prospect rating of 55. MLB.com currently ranks him as the 18th best prospect available in this draft class, positioning the Red Sox’s expected 15th pick slightly above his ranking, reflecting their potential urgency to fill the shortstop role that will eventually open as Trevor Story approaches his mid-30s.
Baseball Focus highlights Pierce’s athleticism, noting his strong yet lean physique and natural versatility:
Pierce is an athlete before anything, and it shows on the field. Strong, lean build with a wide frame and room to grow. He supposedly put on a sizable amount of muscle during the offseason and has expressed the desire to get even bigger to add power… It’s tough to single out Pierce’s best tool as he’s a plus hitter, defender, and baserunner.
—Baseball Focus
His profile fits well with recent Red Sox draftees such as Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, Kyle Teel, and Marcelo Mayer, who share traits like a mature approach and success against elite competition in showcase events.
Implications for the Red Sox and Trevor Story’s Future
The Red Sox’s decision to invest in a high school talent like Daniel Pierce highlights their long-term planning. Even though Pierce is likely 2-3 years away from being MLB-ready, this aligns with the team’s strategy to groom a successor for Trevor Story, who will be 33 during the upcoming season. This move balances immediate roster needs with a developmental approach to maintain competitiveness through the early 2030s.
The Red Sox’s choice to draft Pierce also underscores their commitment to reinforcing the infield with athleticism and versatility, traits necessary to adapt to evolving game strategies and competitive challenges. As the team continues to build its foundation, selecting young stars like Pierce could prove crucial as they transition through this next phase.