Why Red Sox Are Betting Big On College Pitching

The Boston Red Sox once again loaded up on pitching in this year’s MLB Draft, and made it clear they preferred experience over projection.

Of their 21 total picks in 2025, 15 were college pitchers. Just one high school player was selected, continuing a trend that has defined both of Craig Breslow’s drafts as chief baseball officer.

The emphasis on older arms reflects a growing preference within the organization for pitchers with size, velocity and polish, all of which are more common at the college level.

“We had targeted a group of college pitchers that we really liked,” said amateur scouting director Devin Pearson, as transcribed by Matty Wasserman of the Boston Globe. “Big frame, big [velocity], and stuff. That’s kind of how we prioritize pitchers as we work throughout the draft.”

The strategy aligns with broader league trends. College pitchers typically arrive more refined, with more amounts of reliable data, proven durability and, hopefully, the ability to move through minor league systems faster.

Boston’s crop of young arms has also faced stronger competition and handled heavier workloads, giving teams like the Red Sox more confidence in what they could be getting.

Eight of the club’s first 10 picks were pitchers. Pearson said several of the hitters the team liked went off the board earlier than expected, but the Red Sox were still able to land a few bats they had circled, including Arizona infielder Mason White and Newton native Jack Winnay.

Still, the draft clearly centered on arms with upside and proximity. From SEC power programs to seasoned college rotations, the Red Sox have bet on readiness over risk.

It is a blueprint the organization has leaned on before and one it now seems fully committed to.