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Physical Description: Strong,
sturdy frame. Thick lower half. Lost a significant amount of
weight when he got to college.
Hit: Starts slightly open
with feet a bit wider than shoulder-width, hands at his back
shoulder. Uses a toe tap timing device. Uphill swing path. Solid
approach. Patient, knows the strike zone and will take a walk.
Able to recognize secondary offerings early and stay back and
drive them. In-zone whiff rates are on the higher side. Has
trouble with good fastballs up in the zone. Long-term concerns
about how much he will be able to hit left-handed pitchers,
against whom his swing-and-miss increases significantly.
Potential fringe-average hit tool.
Power: Plus
raw power. Has shown the ability to drive the ball, especially
to the pull side, both in batting practice and games. Swing has
leverage and really utilizes his whole body in his swing.
Potential for above-average game power.
Run: Well
below-average speed. Not a major part of his game.
Field:
Primarily a catcher in college, but also spent time at first and
third base. Receiving ability is fringy and has trouble blocking
balls in the dirt. Potential below-average defender if he can
stick behind the plate, which is not a guarantee. Many scouts
would like to see what he looks like at first base and in left
field. |
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Arm: Well below-average arm strength. Slow
release and throws lack carry. Has had significant issues
throwing out runners on stolen base attempts.
Career Notes: 2021 Newcomer All-SEC Team and SEC
All-Tournament Team. Received a somewhat surprising over-slot
bonus when he signed. Missed nearly all of the final month of the
2021 season due to a family issue. Participated in the Fall
Performance Program in 2021. Participated in 2022 Winter
Warm-Up. Got beat up a bit behind the plate in 2022, taking a
couple of IL stints, including one for a concussion, and missing
a week-or-so of games in a couple of other instances. Was set to
participate in the 2022 Fall Performance Program that was
canceled due to Hurricane Ian. Participated in the Arizona Fall
League in 2023. Participated in the Red Sox Rookie Development
Program in January 2024.
Summation:
Potential multi-position reserve platoon bat. Ceiling of a second-division regular.
Has to stick at catcher to reach his ceiling, but has enough bat
to potentially make the majors even if his defense does not come
much further along. Has shown solid contact skills and the
ability to impact the baseball against right-handed pitching, but
questions remain about how his hit tool will translate against
better stuff and whether he can make consistent contact against
left-handed pitchers. Given his defensive limitations, will have
to hit at all levels to make the majors.
Links
Red Sox Select Nathan Hickey with Fifth-Round Pick (7.12.21) |
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