Boston Red Sox prospect Kolbrin Vitek has retired from baseball, an industry source told WEEI.com’s Alex Speier.
Vitek, drafted by Boston in the first round (20th overall) in 2010, reached as high as Double-A Portland while in the Red Sox organization. The 24-year-old reportedly filed his retirement papers earlier this month.
At the time he was drafted, Vitek was Boston’s highest pick since the club selected David Murphy 17th overall in 2003. Vitek never lived up to the hype, though, and injuries played a major role in his career derailment.
Vitek was drafted out of Ball State University but transitioned to the outfield while in the Red Sox system. He hit .258 with eight homers, 103 RBIs and a .326 on-base percentage in 304 career minor league games spread out over five levels.
Vitek, who turns 25 on Tuesday, missed significant time due to an intercostal strain, a neck injury and a concussion over his final two seasons, further knocking him down Boston’s prospect totem pole. Vitek hit .204 (41-for-201) in 58 games with Portland in 2013.
Even with Vitek retiring, the Red Sox still can be pleased about their 2010 draft class. Brandon Workman, Anthony Ranaudo, Bryce Brentz and Garin Cecchini all were drafted by Boston that year.
Photo via Twitter/@LowellSpinners
