The Boston Red Sox are in an enviable position when it comes to catchers.
Blake Swihart is Major League Baseball’s No. 1 catching prospect going into 2015, according to a list recently released by MLB.com. Swihart is considered the top prospect overall in the Red Sox organization.
The Red Sox already have a talented, young catcher in Christian Vazquez, who made his major league debut last July. The 24-year-old is expected to begin the season as Boston’s starting backstop, with veteran Ryan Hanigan, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres this offseason, serving as his backup.
Swihart, who turns 23 in April, is on the cusp of reaching the majors. The 2011 first-round draft pick (26th overall) has tremendous potential. He has drawn comparisons to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey.
Swihart spent most of last season with Double-A Portland, though he jumped to Triple-A Pawtucket late in the year. The switch-hitting catcher hit .293 with 13 homers, 64 RBIs and an .810 OPS in 110 games split between the minor league destinations.
Swihart is known for his athleticism, which would allow him to change positions if the Red Sox wanted to go down that route. He has developed into an excellent defensive catcher, though, so don’t expect a shift in the near future.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@CarlosAlfonsoN
