For the second time in the span of three years, the Red Sox last June were selecting in the seventh spot in the draft. After taking a pitcher (Trey Ball) in 2013, the Sox last year went with this University of Arkansas outfielder, who was a draft-eligible sophomore. Benintendi showed plus power in college even thought he doesn't possess a huge frame (5-foot-10, 180 pounds). He has the speed and athleticism to play center field in the big leagues. In his first pro season, split between rookie-ball Lowell and low Single-A Greenville, Benintendi showed little trouble adapting to wooden bats, belting 11 homers in 54 games, while showing good plate discipline (35 walks, 25 strikeouts).
As an advanced college player, it may not take long for Benitendi to reach the majors. He could be on a similar track to that of another former college outfielder, Michael Conforto, who graduated to the big leagues just over a year after he was selected by the New York Mets. It's unknown how much power Benintendi will show in the majors, but he's strong enough and well-rounded enough to be an athletic outfielder in the mold of former Angels star Darin Erstad.
FINAL RATING: All-Star | Vote now