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Red Sox Had Better Hope Perplexing First-Round Pick Nick Yorke is the Next Dustin Pedroia

By Jerry Trotta

Boston Red Sox exec Chaim Bloom
Boston Red Sox exec Chaim Bloom / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Chaim Bloom got his first taste leading the way in the MLB Draft for the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night, and to say that he surprised most analysts with his first pick would be an understatement. Despite having a plethora of higher-rated prospects available, Boston nabbed Archbishop Mitty High School second baseman Nick Yorke at No. 17 overall.

In an attempt to justify the selection, Red Sox amateur scouting director Paul Toboni views Yorke as the "long-term" play at second base. This is a pretty audacious take from Toboni and such a vote of confidence means that Yorke better become the next Dustin Pedroia.

We understand that's a lot of pressure to put on a player that is hardly old enough to legally drive a car -- he's 18 years old -- but this is simply what happens when an organization with Boston's reputation takes MLB.com's No. 139 prospect in the draft pool within the first 20 selections. It's highly likely that Yorke would've been available when the Red Sox picked again in the third round, so the pressure will be on for the young infielder to become a full-time starter for the club down the line.

In a Zoom call with reporters following the selection, Toboni was actually bold enough to compare the former Arizona commit's approach at the plate to that of former longtime Boston slugger Kevin Youkilis.

"He’s got that rugged, advanced hit tool," said Toboni. "When I say rugged, that rugged look about him. He’s a really physical kid and we think he’s going to get to power. That (Youkilis) type of offensive profile, but different in that he can play in the middle of the field."

For those curious, Youkilis made three All-Star teams, won two World Series, and hit .287/.388/.487 with 133 home runs and 564 RBI in nine seasons with the club.

The Red Sox have struggled to find a replacement for Pedroia since injuries began drastically impacting his availability in 2018. The sheer reach of this pick means that they better hope that Yorke is their starting second baseman of the future.