One MLB prospect evaluator was asked by Baseball America, "How many catchers are there like [Blake] Swihart in the minors?" He replied, "There are none." The 22-year-old is considered the team's top prospect according to Baseball America and could be their catcher of the future.
Actually, he can't even be limited to the catcher position. Some scouts have suggested he has the ability to place second base and center field because of his speed and athleticism, although all of his minor league games (307) have been logged at catcher. The Boston Red Sox drafted Swihart out of high school in the first round back in 2011 and since then he's worked his way up to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The switch-hitter, according to Baseball America's AL East Prospects issue, was said to have taken "huge strides" on the defensive side of the ball in 2014. He threw out 46% of base stealers, which led the Eastern League. His startling progress is not surprising because Swihart was the first catcher to report to JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida - the team's spring training facility. He has been working with the pitchers who also decided to arrive early before the mandatory Feb. 20 deadline (for pitcher and catchers).
"I need to get to know these guys, what they like to throw," Swihart said, via the Boston Globe. "Every pitcher is a little different and I need to learn the techniques they have. That was one of the reasons to get here early, to build a relationship with these guys. My goal is to catch everybody at least once. I caught four bullpens [on Monday] and that was big for me."
Swihart's dedication is eye-opening because there are still two catchers - Christian Vazquez and Ryan Hanigan - ahead of him on the Red Sox depth chart. However, if his offense continues to progress the way it's been, he could hit the majors at some point in 2015 and get quality time behind the plate. He has been working out tirelessly to get "bigger, faster and stronger" and he's now up to 200 pounds. That has translated into more power.
In 110 games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket in 2014, he slashed .293/.341/.469 with 53 runs scored, 13 home runs, 64 RBIs and eight stolen bases. In Baseball America's AL East Prospects issue Alex Speier writes, "Offensively, though he shows an aggressive approach that limits his walks, he displays good pitch recognition, typically swings at strikes and sends line drives screaming to the gaps ... he shows above-average bat speed and bat control from both sides of the plate and he won't be beaten by velocity."
Swihart's versatility on defense and rapidly improving offense is perhaps why the Red Sox have refused to include him in a trade package for Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels. It's been reported Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro wants either Swihart or second baseman/outfielder Mookie Betts to headline the player compensation coming in return for Hamels, but Boston has expressed their unwillingness to do so on multiple occasions, which says a lot because the Red Sox are in desperate need of an established starter atop their rotation.
It helps receiving appraisal from longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who serves as a special adviser to general manager Ben Cherington.
"I like him a lot. He has the attitude you want to see as a catcher," Varitek told the Boston Globe. "Every year, he's added something to what he does. Like any young catcher, there are things to learn. But he's going to get there."
Swihart will be a promising addition to whatever big league organization he is with in 2015. If he's still with the Red Sox, don't be surprised if he's catching some games later on in the year.
