The Boston Red Sox have finally answered the biggest question hanging over their 2026 MLB Draft class.
On Friday, they signed ninth-round pick Martin Shelar, the high school outfielder who slid that far because teams weren’t sure he would turn pro instead of heading to college baseball. Boston clearly believed it could get him in the fold, and it backed that belief with a major commitment.
MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported around 1 p.m. ET that Shelar is getting a $1.5 million bonus, a massive payday for a player taken in the ninth round.
That deal gives the Red Sox draft haul a much bigger ceiling, because Shelar brings real offensive thunder from the right side. The Mississippi State commit hit .500 with 19 home runs as a high school senior, and he’s drawn a comparison to former Seattle Mariners slugger Jay Buhner.
His bat speed, at least by appearance, has been described as eye-catching:
“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”
Shelar plays outfield, and because he’s coming straight out of high school, he’ll likely need several years in the minors before he’s ready for the majors.
For now, though, the Red Sox have the player they wanted. The rest is on Shelar to justify the faith Boston showed in him.
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