Tyler McDonough has had an impressive spring training
In the third round of the 2021 MLB draft, the Red Sox selected a talented infielder out of NC State in Tyler McDonough. The Cincinnati native did not disappoint in his first minor league season with a .298 batting average in 31 games. In 2022, his average dropped to .230, and as a result, he entered spring training looking to rediscover his 2021 form. Over the last few weeks, he has done precisely that.
Through seven games, McDonough has posted a .625 batting average with four runs batted in. The 23-year-old has shown off his speed and added three extra-base hits to his resume, including two triples. While McDonough has made the most of his opportunities, he has also shown why he was a top-100 pick.
The 2021 draftee has a hit in six of the seven games he has appeared in this spring. While he has not forced a walk, McDonough has posted a .625 OBP. That is one of the highest on the Red Sox roster. As he heads into his third minor league season, he is one prospect that will be watched closely.
While his MLB debut is still a few years away, McDonough currently projects to be a utility player, according to Sox Prospect. He can play multiple positions and has shown the ability to get on base. The NC State product also has good baserunning instincts and had a career-high 21 stolen bases last season. His defensive versatility and contact skills should allow him to move steadily through the system.
Although McDonough has shown some promising signs, some areas of his game still need some work, including his approach at the plate. He has struggled with breaking balls and velocity up in the zone.
At the higher levels, pitchers will take advantage of those weaknesses. If McDonough can improve in those areas, his average should be closer to what it was during his first professional season and in college.
In a farm system full of talent in the infield, McDonough has seen his value rise in spring training while setting the foundation for a successful 2023 campaign.
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