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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. Fringy bat speed. Solid approach. Patient, knows the
strike zone and will take a walk. In-zone whiff rates are on the
higher side. Has trouble with good fastballs up in the zone. Has
long-term concerns about how much he will be able to hit
left-handed pitchers, against whom his swing-and-miss increases
significantly. Potential well below-average hit tool.
Power: Above-average raw power. Produces solid
exit velocities. 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. Ability to tap into raw power is dependent on how his hit
tool develops. Potential for 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 below-average 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. Started
to see more time at first base in 2024, in part to get him more
at-bats. |
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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. Received an aggressive promotion to
Worcester to start the 2024 season and really struggled at the
plate all year, going back to Portland in mid-August.
Summation: Potential organizational high minors
contributor. Ceiling of a bat-first reserve player who can play
catcher in the pinch. If he can stick at catcher, his ceiling
could go up, but that is unlikely at this point. Given his
defensive limitations, will really have to hit to make (and stay
in) the majors. Really struggled offensively in 2024 in his
first forray into Triple-A. Needs to show he can make more
contact and adjustments against lefties and secondary offerings.
Links
Red Sox Select Nathan Hickey with Fifth-Round Pick (7.12.21) |
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