Nathan Hickey providing optimism for the future in the minors
Photo Credit: Kelly O’Connor
So far this season, the Red Sox are getting solid production from behind the plate. Connor Wong and Reese McGuire have surpassed expectations and provided a punch offensively with 17 extra-base hits. While they have excelled, prospect Nathan Hickey is creating a buzz in the minors.
During the first two months of the 2023 campaign, the Jacksonville native has been on fire at the plate. In 107 at-bats, Hickey is hitting .290 with 19 runs batted in. He has added 17 extra-base hits to his resume, including nine doubles. Regardless of the level, he is making solid contact.
After starting the season in Salem, the 23-year-old was promoted to Portland on May ninth. Against advanced competition, he has not missed a beat and is hitting .282 in ten games. Although that is a small sample size, it is an encouraging sign for the Red Sox. Hickey is not projected to make his MLB debut until sometime next season, and at the moment, it is not looking like that timeline will not be delayed.
Additionally, through 111 games in the minors, the former fifth-round picking is hitting .269 with 53 extra-base hits. Hickey has also driven in 83 runs in that span, including a career-high 62 last season. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the Red Sox’s 15th-best prospect.
While the former University of Florida star is turning heads with his bat, he has been solid defensively. Hickey has only committed three errors this season and caught one runner stealing. That is one reason why the 2021 draftee is currently the organization's highest-ranked catching prospect.
Although the 2023 campaign is far from over, Hickey's play has been hard to ignore. He has shown good plate discipline and the ability to drive the ball. If he can continue to do that against advanced competition, he could be in Worcester later this season. Over the last few weeks, Hickey has shown how much of an impact he can make as he moves closer to the majors.
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