Daniel McElveny Signs With the Boston Red Sox in the 6th Round of the 2021 Draft

Daniel McElveny was one of the standout prospects from Boston Red Sox’s 2021 draft class, having been selected in the sixth round (166th overall) and signing under slot value ($197,500). At Bonita Vista High School in California he played shortstop and has committed to San Diego State University, providing effective defensive movements and quick hands as his calling card for success.

Early Life and Education

Red Sox scouts who traveled long distances to view Marcelo Mayer were given another look in the sixth round when they took Bonita High School shortstop Daniel McElveny from Bonita High. McElveny wasn’t considered one of the top prep shortstop prospects by public evaluators but Perfect Game had him listed as being No 52 among all California prep players going into the draft; he has committed to play college baseball at San Diego State.

Professional Career

McElveny was selected in the sixth-round of 2021’s Red Sox draft and will likely make his professional debut this season. A versatile prospect who may play shortstop in the minor leagues but has also seen action at second base and left field, McElveny could potentially play any position required of him in an MLB lineup.

He went to high school within minutes of Red Sox first-round pick Marcelo Mayer and has committed to San Diego State University. Additionally, he participated in his club’s 2021 Fall Performance Program and started practicing catching this season.

He boasts a powerful swing, is contact-oriented with an excellent approach at the plate and was an outstanding defensive performer at the Baseball Factory West Showcase, running a 6.78 in the 60-yard dash. Additionally, he uses a low leg kick to track pitches as well as quick hands that can easily pick up the ball when stalking pitches.

Achievement and Honors

McElveny wasn’t considered one of the top draft-eligible prep players entering spring training, yet still caught the eye of Red Sox area scout J.J. Altobelli during a Perfect Game showcase event and was brought in for a pre-draft workout where he auditioned at second, third, shortstop, and catcher positions. From Bonita Vista High School (just down the road from where Red Sox first-round pick Marcelo Mayer hails), McElveny committed to San Diego State and is committed to San Diego State collegiate.

He represented the East team in an all-star game afterward and won most valuable player honors by hitting two singles to left field during its final rally – also participating in home run derby competition and finishing tied for first round honors with Granite Hills’ Grant McArthur and Grossmont’s Isaiah Gomez.

Personal Life

McElveny has committed to attending college baseball at San Diego State, making him the third high schooler selected by Boston in their 2021 draft class. Boston used their sixth-round selection on California native McElveny who will serve as a utility player in the minors. McElveny attended high school within 10 miles of Marcelo Mayer and their teams met twice this past spring – in one game Mayer’s Eastlake squad defeated McElveny’s Bonita Vista team and vice versa. McElveny led his East team to victory by hitting two home runs during the second matchup. At the All-Star Game, he also participated in a pregame home run derby alongside teammates Jake Entrekin (Steele Canyon senior catcher), Isaiah Gomez (Grossmont senior third baseman-catcher) and Grant MacArthur (Granite Hills junior first baseman). Grant emerged victorious.