It’s draft season in Boston, and it seems like there is a change in the air this time. Craig Breslow is not just flipping pages; he is flipping the whole scouting playbook. Now, the Boston Red Sox are no longer trusting just their gut instincts or the well-worn trails they have used thus far. They are fully relying on data, which is evident in their potential selection of their No. 15 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

According to The Athletic’s Keith Law, Boston could be targeting Gavin Kilen. He is a slick-fielding infielder from Tennessee who has both the stats and the swing decisions that fit into the new Boston mold. And if you are thinking, This name rings a bell, you are not wrong!

Surprisingly, the Boston Red Sox had already drafted Kilen way back in 2022 in the 13th round. But then, he chose not to sign and got into college ball. And now, after a stellar run, it seems like he might be ready for this new adventure.

But according to Keith Law, this pick isn’t going to be just about Kilen. It’s about how the Red Sox have changed their operation. “Given their de-emphasis on in-person scouting that seems likely to continue,” Law mentioned. “Kilen scores particularly well by batted-ball data and swing decisions, two things the Red Sox value now.”

Law didn’t mince words, and he is not alone in that side-eyeing of Breslow’s new approach. But last year, Boston picked only two high schoolers in the entire draft. It was a clear shift towards college players and to analytics-friendly profiles.

Breslow, the former Ivy League pitcher turned executive, will probably be hoping these numbers will help build the next Boston Red Sox dynasty.

Who will Gavin Kilen replace in the Boston Red Sox?

While no one knows for sure, one name who Kilen is probably set to replace is none other than Trevor Story. And if you are being real, Story has not lived up to the storybook expectations Boston had when they handed him a big contract. Sure, this season has been better than the rest. Because he has managed to stay on the field, but compared to the last couple of seasons, it still feels like a minuscule win. But staying healthy is not enough when one is paid like a franchise cornerstone, is it?

Story’s batting average hovers at .252, he’s got a .702 OPS, and he’s managed 14 home runs. Not bad, but not what the Boston Red Sox were expecting from someone meant to fill in the shoes of Xander Bogaerts. And that is the thing—he simply has not, either defensively or offensively, and definitely not consistently.

Plus, Boston’s recent win over Colorado just highlighted the inconsistencies. The offense came alive, and Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela went deep. Richard Fitts also notched his first MLB win. But it was the routing error from Story in the sixth inning that reminded everyone why this position might soon need a new face, and soon. Because it’s one thing when a rookie makes an error as such, and another when it’s your $140 million shortstop.

What do you think about Story and his gameplay? Let us know in the comments.