Red Sox select CJ Weins with sixth-round pick

With the 178th overall pick in the 2023 MLB First-Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected CJ Weins, a right-handed pitcher out of Western Kentucky.

Weins arrived at Western Kentucky by way of Wabash Valley Community College, one of the nation's premier junior college baseball programs, and South Carolina, spending two years at each school. He used the extra year afforded to all athletes impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to play a fifth year for the Hilltoppers.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he pitched sparingly over 2021 and 2022 for the Gamecocks, with 22 2/3 innings over 16 appearances. He struck out 27 batters against 25 walks and had an ERA of 6.35.

Western Kentucky utilized Weins as a primary bullpen piece, contributing 31 innings over 27 appearances for the Hilltoppers, the latter of which led the team. His control was much better against Conference-USA hitters, with 42 strikeouts and just eight walks. Batters also hit just .170 against him, with only five extra-base hits.

According to our own Ian Cundall, Weins throws from a low arm slot and has a fastball in the low 90s, along with a curveball and slider.

As a fifth-year senior, it's unlikely Weins will get full slot. The full slot value for this pick is $320,200.