Niko Kavadas is surpassing expectations
In a minor league system full of talent, Niko Kavadas is having an impressive season
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
In the 11th round of the MLB Draft last year, the Red Sox selected Niko Kavadas with the 316th overall pick. After being drafted, the South Bend native appeared in 15 minor league games and posted a .256 batting average. In 2022 his potential has been on full display, and he is becoming a well-known prospect. While his professional career is just starting, Kavadas is already turning heads.
Through 262 at-bats this season, he has hit 24 home runs and recorded 45 extra-base hits. Between two levels, he is hitting .302 with a 1.127 OPS. At Notre Dame, the twenty-three-year-old was known for his power, which has translated to the minors. Despite splitting time between two levels, he has not been phased by the advanced competition.
After starting the season in Salem, Kavadas was promoted to Greenville after 59 games. In 21 games for Greenville, he has been an on-base machine and posted a .343 batting average. He has only grounded in two double plays this season and drawn 73 walks. While his offense has been impressive, Kavadas has held his own defensively.
Kavadas is surpassing expectations
When the power-hitting first baseman entered the Red Sox organization, he was not known for his glove. However, in 508 innings at first this season, he has only committed four errors. The Notre Dame product has helped turn 39 double plays while playing exclusive at first base when he is not a DH.
Although the Red Sox have a deep farm system, Kavadas is standing out. He is not on the organization's top 30 prospect list, but his success has been hard to ignore. Kavadas has also shown impressive plate discipline and has not had to rely on his power to be successful.
As the minor league season continues, Kavadas could see his stock continue to rise. In July, he has hit five home runs which is his most in any month this season. While he has struck out 17 times this month, Kavadas has four multi-hit games in the past 15 days. Regardless of how the season ends, the former 11th-round pick is no longer flying under the radar.
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