The Boston Red Sox were aggressive in seeking out high ceiling prospects in the 2018 MLB Draft. Their first round pick, Triston Casas has 70 grade power and the potential to be a monster in the middle of the lineup. Second round pick Nick Decker also has big raw power but some questions about his hit tool. If he pans out, he too could be the anchor in the heart of a major league lineup. But the most interesting pick they made was on day three, when they used their 11th round pick on prep third baseman Nicholas Northcut.
Northcut was the 81st ranked prospect in the 2018 draft class according to MLB’s rankings. He was 69th according to Baseball America. That puts him in the range of a third to fourth round pick by talent. So why did he last until the 11th round? He had a firm commitment to Vanderbilt. The thought was that he would be expensive to pry away. Turns out that at $565,000.00, his cost was right in line with where he should have been picked. It’s possible he was willing to sign with the Red Sox for less than he would have elsewhere.
Nicholas Northcut had one of the more intriguing mixes of hitting ability and power in the 2018 draft.
Baseball America cites some scouts listing his raw power as future 70 grade. That’s Aaron Judge level. If he has the hit tool for that to play in games, we’re talking about a regular All-Star caliber player. Baseball America’s write up describes him as having a good feel for hitting. MLB.com believes he could hit for average. Perfect Game described him as an advanced hitter. He also goes to all fields, even when hitting for power, which is impressive for a prep hitter.
https://bosoxinjection.com/2018/06/1...orthcut-signs/
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Larry Cook
