Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45 

Considering that future big league third baseman Dallas McPherson was drafted out of Randleman (N.C.) HS as a pitcher, Brannon may be the best position prospect ever produced by the Tigers. Part of 2-A state championship teams in 2021 and 2022, he led national high school players with 20 homers and 91 RBI in 34 games this spring. His offensive potential stacks up nicely against this year's prep catchers, but there are questions as to whether he can stay behind the plate. 

Strong and physical, Brannon generates plus raw power. He has a quick right-handed stroke and routinely produces impressive exit velocities. While he shows a willingness to use the entire field, he may have to tone down his aggressive approach against more advanced pitching. 

Brannon's best defensive tool is his plus arm, which can record pop times around 1.9 seconds. The North Carolina recruit has a strong work ethic but may not be more than an adequate receiver and needs to improve his framing and blocking. If he has to change positions, third base and left field would be his best-case scenarios. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

Brannon had a monster high school senior season, leading the nation with 20 homers and 91 RBIs in 34 games while carrying Randleman (N.C.) HS to its second consecutive 2-A state title. He tied the state record for long balls set by his father, Paul, in 1989 and signed for third-round money ($712,500) as a ninth-rounder. A left thumb injury and back problems limited him to 17 games in 2023, though he did go deep six times in 72 at-bats.

Already quite physical at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Brannon stands out with some of the best raw power and highest exit velocities among Red Sox farmhands. He has a quick right-handed stroke and looks to do damage with an aggressive approach at the plate. He didn't face much quality pitching as an amateur, so there's some question as to how he'll fare against better stuff, especially if he doesn't develop more discipline at the plate.

With plus arm strength and quick feet behind the plate, Brannon is equipped to combat the running game. He's overly active as a catcher and his framing and blocking skills will have to improve, but he has the hands and the work ethic to become at least a decent receiver. Though he's a well-below-average runner, he might be able to handle third base or left field if he has to switch positions.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40 

Brannon led national high school hitters with 20 homers and 91 RBIs in 34 games last spring while helping Randleman HS (N.C.) pick up its second straight 2-A state championship. His 20 long balls also tied the state record -- set by his father, Paul, in 1989 en route to becoming a Mariners fourth-rounder. Brooks went in the ninth round last July and signed for $712,500, the equivalent of third-round money.  

An extremely physical teenager at 6 feet and 210 pounds, Brannon has some of the best raw power and produces some of the highest exit velocities in the Red Sox system. He generates impressive bat speed and shows an encouraging willingness to use the entire field. He's extremely aggressive at the plate and likely will have to tone down his approach against pro pitching. 

Brannon's plus arm strength and quick feet behind the plate result in pop times around 1.9 seconds and should enable him to control the running game. He has the work ethic and the hands to become at least an adequate receiver, but he's overly active and his framing and blocking skills are raw. He's a well-below-average runner but might be able to handle third base or left field if he can't make it as a catcher. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

Part of 2-A state championship teams in 2021 and 2022 at Randleman (N.C.) HS, Brannon led national prep hitters with 20 homers and 91 RBIs in 34 games this spring. His offensive potential ranked among the best in the high school catching crop, though he's not a lock to stay behind the plate. The Red Sox drafted him in the ninth round and signed him for $712,500, which equates to early third-round money. 

Strong and physical at 6 feet and 210 pounds, Brannon produces plus raw power from the right side of the plate. He has a quick stroke that routinely generates high exit velocities. While he does show the ability to use the whole field, he can get overly aggressive and may need to tone down his approach against pro pitching. 

Brannon displays a plus arm behind the plate and records pop times around 1.9 seconds. He has the work ethic to improve his defense but may never be more than an adequate receiver and must improve his framing and blocking skills. If he can't remain a catcher, third base or left field would be his best-case scenarios. 

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	11/08/2024	American League Fall Stars activated C Brooks Brannon.
	09/25/2024	C Brooks Brannon assigned to Mesa Solar Sox.
	06/04/2024	Salem Red Sox activated C Brooks Brannon from the 60-day injured list.
	06/04/2024	Salem Red Sox activated C Brooks Brannon from the 60-day injured list.
	05/21/2024	Salem Red Sox sent C Brooks Brannon on a rehab assignment to FCL Red Sox.
	05/21/2024	Salem Red Sox sent C Brooks Brannon on a rehab assignment to FCL Red Sox.
	03/22/2024	Salem Red Sox placed C Brooks Brannon on the 60-day injured list.
	03/07/2024	Boston Red Sox Prospects activated C Brooks Brannon.
	11/06/2023	Salem Red Sox activated C Brooks Brannon from the 60-day injured list.
	08/08/2023	Salem Red Sox transferred C Brooks Brannon from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
	08/08/2023	Salem Red Sox transferred C Brooks Brannon from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
	07/29/2023	Salem Red Sox placed C Brooks Brannon on the 7-day injured list.
	06/28/2023	C Brooks Brannon assigned to Salem Red Sox from FCL Red Sox.
	06/04/2023	FCL Red Sox activated C Brooks Brannon.
	08/13/2022	FCL Red Sox activated C Brooks Brannon.
	08/13/2022	C Brooks Brannon assigned to FCL Red Sox.
	07/29/2022	Boston Red Sox signed C Brooks Brannon.
	09/15/2021	C Brooks Brannon and assigned to Giants (NC '22).