Red Sox Poised to Draft Top Second Baseman Prospect in 2026

Boston's search for Dustin Pedroia's successor could end with Auburn standout Chris Rembert.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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According to a new MLB draft mock, the Boston Red Sox are expected to select Auburn sophomore Chris Rembert with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 draft. Rembert is coming off a standout freshman season where he posted a 1.022 OPS with 10 home runs, and he's been compared to former All-Star Howie Kendrick for his advanced approach and quick bat.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have struggled to find a long-term solution at second base since Dustin Pedroia's retirement, cycling through several players at the position. Drafting Rembert could provide the team with a potential star to build around at a key position.

The details

Rembert, who will be 21 years old at the time of the draft, is ranked as the 26th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline. He impressed last summer playing for the USA Collegiate National Team, batting .278 in 18 at-bats. Scouts praise Rembert's quick hands, advanced approach, and ability to drive the ball gap-to-gap.

  • Rembert is coming off a "massive freshman season" at Auburn in 2025.
  • The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11.

The players

Chris Rembert

A 21-year-old sophomore second baseman at Auburn University, Rembert is projected to be one of the first sophomore-eligible players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Dustin Pedroia

A former Boston Red Sox second baseman who won Rookie of the Year, MVP, and three World Series championships before retiring in 2021 due to a knee injury.

Howie Kendrick

A former MLB second baseman who had a 15-year career, including nine seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, and is the player Rembert has been compared to by scouts.

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What’s next

The Red Sox will have the opportunity to select Rembert with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on July 11.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's search for a long-term solution at second base could end with the selection of Chris Rembert, a highly-touted prospect with an advanced approach and power potential who has drawn comparisons to former All-Star Howie Kendrick.