Boston Red Sox draft son of a franchise legend in the 19th round

On January 22, 2003, the Boston Red Sox signed a free agent who had been released by the Minnesota Twins the previous December. At the time, the signing did not exactly move the needle. Speaking about the move then-General Manager Theo Epstein noted that due to injuries, the new acquisition had not reached his ceiling of becoming an everyday player.

Something that Epstein hoped he could become in Boston. “You’re looking at a player who can be an impact middle of the lineup bat. An everyday player,” said Epstein at the time. “That is his ceiling and we hope he reaches it with us.”

That player? David Ortiz, who reached that and more with the Red Sox, becoming the heart and soul of a franchise that would go on to win three World Series titles during his time in their lineup. Among his many accolades acquired over the years? A trip to Cooperstown as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, as he was inducted on his first try back in 2022.

Over 21 years later, the Red Sox are adding another Ortiz to the organization, Ortiz’s son D’Angelo Ortiz. Boston drafted the younger Ortiz in the 19th round of the MLB Draft on Tuesday, who recently played for Miami Dade College. Over 48 games Ortiz slashed .328/.431/.374 with one home run and 38 RBI. He also played for two campaigns with the Brockton Rox of the Future Collegiate Baseball League.

While his father was most known for what he did as a designated hitter, the younger Ortiz is a versatile player who has seen time at third base and in the outfield.