After taking UConn Huskies pitcher Matt Barnes with the 19th pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox had another pick at No. 26. With that pick, the Red Sox drafted high school catcher Blake Swihart with that pick.
The 26th pick was originally the Texas Rangers first round pick but the Red Sox received as compensation for the Rangers signing Adrian Beltre during free agency.
Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Swihart:
On pure ability alone, Swihart very well could have first-round talent. That’s particularly true of his bat. He’s got a great swing from both sides of the plate and can really hit. He should hit for average with above-average power. Think a slightly better version of Colby Rasmus, a hitter who could hit .300 with 20+ homers annually. It’s unclear where Swihart’s eventual defensive home will be. A catcher in high school, some feel he won’t stay there at the next level as he’s not the biggest guy in the world, though he does have arm strength, and a team may not want the wear and tear of catching to take away from his offensive potential. A move to the infield seems unlikely as Swihart’s lack of speed wouldn’t suit him at, say, second base, so a corner outfield spot may make the most sense, and he should have enough bat for such a spot. He’s expected to be a very tough sign, with a commitment to the University of Texas, so it might take a team willing to meet his asking price to get him to become a pro this summer.
Swihart is committed to play baseball for the Texas Longhorns next year and it’ll probably take a small Brinks truck to sign him. But knowing Theo Epstein like we do, he’ll probably find a way to get him signed.
