It's nearly impossible to find a "sure thing" in the MLB Draft, especially when you get out of the first round.
That means we're left with statistics, film and notes from talent evaluators to predict if draft picks will find success in the major leagues.
The good news for Boston Red Sox fans: Cameron Cannon seems to check off quite a few boxes.
For one, Boston's first pick in the 2019 MLB Draft at No. 43 overall has experience: The 22-year-old middle infielder played three seasons at Arizona in the highly competitive Pac-12 and slashed an impressive .397/.478/.651 during his junior year with eight home runs and 56 RBIs in 56 games.
For that reason, one scout believes Cannon could move quickly through the Red Sox farm system.
Here's a look at Cannon's swing: His strength is line-drive contact with the potential to develop more power.
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Cannon still has plenty of room for improvement: While his name may suggest otherwise, the Arizona native has an average arm that may limit him to second base instead of shortstop at the major league level. He also made 18 errors as a junior.
Of course, the Red Sox could use second base depth with Dustin Pedroia in the twilight of his career. As an older prospect, Cannon will have less room for error as he works through Boston's minor league system. But if he improves his fielding and can add a little more home run power at the plate, there's a chance you could be hearing Cannon's name called at Fenway Park in a few years.
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