Boston Red Sox prospect Phillip Sikes talks promotion, his 2024 season, and offseason goals
Phillip Sikes is one of the more underappreciated prospects in the Boston Red Sox system. A right-handed hitting outfielder who plays top-tier defense can steal bases and has sneaky power.
He has a career-high 13 homers in 2024. Meanwhile, he's swiped 24 bags (and had 39 in 2023).
Sikes was promoted to Triple-A following the end of the Double-A season on Sunday. On Thursday, he made his debut. The TCU product went 0-for-3 in his first Triple-A game, but he did drive in a run.
We talked to him before the game to ask about the promotion, his season, and his offseason plans.
Q: How did you find out you were promoted?
"It came down to the last game in Double-A. We were still competing for a playoff spot. After we figured out that we weren't going to make it, Eppy [Chad Epperson], our manager, called us in and let us know that we had another week left and that we were going to go up to Worcester and play."
Q: Who was your first call? What was their reaction?
"My dad 100%. He's been supporting me for my whole life. He was pumped up. He was happy for me and told me how much he was proud of me. I'm very thankful for him."
Q: What is the biggest adjustment you're looking to make at this level?
"I've been asking and talking to guys. They say you can shrink the zone more than you're used to in Double-A because the umps are more consistent, and the ABS helps.
So, using that to your advantage and learning from other guys, just watching and picking up small things.
I feel like there are a lot of extra hits out there. Just put pressure on the defense.
I also noticed how the games look so almost slow-paced and motion, not because of the pace of play, but how they approach the game. It's so smooth and relaxed. Like they've done it a million times."
Q: Who's been the biggest help to you in the locker room?
"Quite a few guys. I played with a lot of these guys in Portland. I've been talking to Teel a lot because we roomed in Portland. He's been telling me some ins and outs he's picked up on since he's been here. Roman, obviously. Shug [Chase Shugart] and talked to Bobby [Dalbec] here and there. I mean, everyone's great."
Q: Have you been to Polar Park yet?
"I have not. I've just seen it from the outside. I haven't got to go in and look at it. Maybe I'll get a chance when we leave and go back on Sunday. I've heard great things about it."
Q: Have you noticed a difference in atmosphere between a Double-A game and a Triple-A game?
"I mean, this park's [Coca-Cola Park] amazing. So, I imagine Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be packed out. The energy's there. I haven't noticed a ton like play-wise, but you can tell that the fans are in it for sure."
Q: What are your thoughts on your 2024 season to this point?
"I thought it was a good year. I had some highs and some lows, but I learned a lot about myself and the game in general this year. So I take that as a plus."
Q: You had a career-high in homers this year (13). Number 12 was an inside-the-parker. Were you aware that it was a record when you were running around the bases?
"Not at all. Off the bat, the way I hit it, I knew it was going to be a tough play with the way the launch angle was and how the ball had been flying all night. But I also knew that Spencer Jones was in center, and he's massive. If it got over his head, I had a chance. It tipped off his glove, and I saw how it bounced off, and I automatically knew if I wasn't getting an inside-the-parker, I was at least getting a triple."
Q: Defense and speed are probably seen as your two biggest strengths. Do you think that your power is a little bit underrated?
"Uh, for sure. I feel like I can have a 20/20 season next year. There's a lot of untapped power in my body. I feel strong and explosive. Just working out a few things in this offseason to tap into, that is kind of my goal."
Q: Speaking of the offseason, what are your offseason goals?
"The biggest thing is I want to put on some mass. I want to feel strong going into Spring Training. So, getting in the weight room, lifting, eating a lot, and I want to play a little winter ball, too. I'm thinking about going to play in Mexico for at least a month. Get some at-bats and see some breaking pitches."
Q: Is there someone you have to talk to about that? Or is it the offseason, and you can do what you want?
"You talk to the organization and make sure you're good to go. Then, you reach out to your connections and agents, and they'll help you out with that. I've been blessed with people I know who can put me into those situations."
Q: What's your favorite jersey in the Red Sox minor league system?
"There's quite a few. The Portland teals are one of my favorites. The teal hats in Portland are some of my favorites. We wore some Yoda jerseys this year, which is different. I liked them. I'd say those two."
Follow Hunter on Twitter @Hunter_Noll.
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