Although the Boston Red Sox already have two catchers expected to make the Major League roster, Blake Swihart is still in their plans for 2017.
It would be easy to wonder if Blake Swihart already missed his chance with the Boston Red Sox. Sandy Leon emerged as a starting caliber catcher, while Christian Vazquez has become a stellar defensive presence. Swihart had already been moved from behind the plate and was slotted in left field before an ankle injury ended his season before it began.
As Swihart had little experience behind the plate as it was, it would be understandable if the Red Sox decided to give up on their idea of making him a catcher. Instead, Boston is envisioning him as super utility player, someone who is capable of playing 90 games behind the plate, while also appearing at first, third, and in the outfield.
It is certainly understandable why the Red Sox would want to keep Swihart in the lineup. The former consensus top prospect in 2014 and 2015, Swihart produced a solid .283/.340/.418 batting line in his 1466 minor league plate appearances. Although he only hit 23 home runs, Swihart is expected to add more power and he continues to develop. He already has a solid line drive swing from both sides of the plate, giving hope that his power will arrive.
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Swihart has also displayed flashes of that offensive potential in the Majors. He has a .271/.328/.386 batting line, solid numbers for a catcher. Although he has struggled behind the plate based on defensive metrics, Swihart, in only 13 games in left, has already been credited with one run saved.
That ability to immediately take to left, after spending the previous five seasons strictly behind the plate, lends hope to the Red Sox plans. It also speaks to his athleticism, as does the fact that he was a shortstop in high school. Swihart could well become the perfect super utility player, one that John Farrell can plug anywhere into the lineup while avoiding a major dropoff in production.
Although there may be questions as to whether or not Swihart can be more than a third catcher, that versatility is still quite valuable. He could play five times a week while giving other regulars a day off, especially if his conversion to the corner infield spots go as well as hoped. He could well be another Brock Holt, or Swihart could even find himself in the mix for the first base job in 2018.
It may have seemed as though Blake Swihart missed his opportunity with the Boston Red Sox when he was injured last year. Instead, he may become an extremely valuable member of the roster.
