The Red Sox have selected North Atlanta High School shortstop Antonio Anderson with their third-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft at No. 83 overall.
Anderson, 18, was regarded by Baseball America as the No. 68 prospect in this year’s draft class. The Peach State native is currently committed to play college baseball at Georgia Teach.
A switch-hitter, Anderson batted .438/.522/.723 with 10 doubles, one triple, six home runs, 51 RBIs, 32 runs scored, four stolen bases, 23 walks, and 15 strikeouts in 34 games for North Atlanta this spring, per his MaxPreps page.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Anderson “is a polished hitter who understands the strike zone and recognizes pitches well,” according to his Baseball America scouting report. He “has a smooth stroke from both sides with good rhythm and balance. He shows more in-game power from the left side, but scouts think he has more raw power as a righthanded hitter. He’s got a chance for above-average on-base skills with above-average power potential as he fills out a frame that should get taller and stronger.”
Defensively, Anderson may have to eventually move off shortstop on account of being a “fringy runner who projects to be below-average in the future.” Because of the lack of quick-twitch actions, Anderson “might profile better at third base. He has solid arm strength and has been into the low 90s as a pitcher, with reliable hands and actions as well that could suit the hot corner.”
Anderson, who does not turn 19 until next May, becomes the second straight high school infielder drafted by the Red Sox. Boston closed out Day 1 of the draft on Sunday night by taking Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis, Mo.) shortstop Nazzan Zanetello with its second-round (50th overall) pick.
Assuming he signs by the July 25 deadline, Anderson will likely join Zanetello in beginning his professional career at the rookie-level Florida Complex League in Fort Myers. The slot value for the 83rd overall selection in this year’s draft is $846,800.
The Red Sox have nine more picks to make on Monday. They will be making their fourth-round selection at No. 115 overall momentarily.
(Picture of Antioni Anderson: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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