It’s been a long time since the Red Sox started a slugger behind the plate. But that could change in the years to come.
The Red Sox selected Florida’s Nathan Hickey Monday in the fifth round of the MLB amateur draft, making him the fourth-highest drafted catcher ever out of Gainesville. He was one of Florida’s best hitters last season, posting an incredible line of .317/.435/.522. (He led the team in batting average.)
Hickey also smacked nine home runs in 278 plate appearances.
A high school First Team All-American, Hickey’s freshman season was derailed by Covid-19, but he bounced back to make the Newcomer All-SEC Team and the SEC All-Tournament Team. He was one of the most productive players in all of the SEC last season.
Hickey did struggle defensively behind the plate, propelling the Gators to move him to third base during the SEC Tournament.
His scouting report from the Perfect Game reads as follows: "Nathan Hickey is a 2019 C/MIF/OF with a 6-0 205 lb. frame from Jacksonville, FL who attends Providence HS. Big and strong build, pretty mature physically. Left handed hitter, ig leg lift trigger with a easy hand load trigger, shifts well into contact and uses his strength well, stays compact and quick with his hands, has some natural loft in his swing and the strength to drive it. Arm strength is his best tool defensively, gets on top of his throws with good carry, can play multiple positions. Left handed bat is his primary tool. Very good student."