Red Sox Draft Pick Batted .500 as Senior with 19 HRs, Compared to Jay Buhner originally appeared on NESN.
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Early in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox picked a few players earlier than many expected.
But because MLB bonus pools can be spread out however a team chooses throughout a draft class, that allowed them to take a big swing later on Martin Shelar, a high school outfielder.
Shelar is committed to Mississippi State, and teams aren’t sure whether he’ll sign, which is why he was available in the ninth round.
The Red Sox must’ve felt they can offer him an over-slot deal to have a chance of landing him.
MORE: Full list of Boston Red Sox 2026 MLB Draft picks
Shelar is certainly a player worth taking a chance on. He was ranked in the top-150 of this draft class by multiple scouting services.
As a high school senior, he hit .500 with 19 home runs, and one draft analyst compared him to former Mariners slugger Jay Buhner (pictured above).
In this highlight below, it’s clear he’s got bat speed:
For those wondering when the Red Sox were going to go big with the money they saved early, it looks like HS OF Martin Shelar.
Ranked at #125 on BA’s board. Chance for 70-grade power.
Hit .500 with 19 HR as a senior. Jay Buhner comp, per @JoeDoyleMiLB. pic.twitter.com/23tSbfn8qO
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 12, 2026
There’s some risk in drafting Shelar, because he could choose to follow through on his college commitment.
The risk is mitigated by the fact that he went in the ninth round, though. It was worth the chance for Boston.
And if they can sign Shelar, it could be one of the biggest wins of this draft cycle.
