Amateur Hour: Kris Bryant
By Conor Duffy
If the Red Sox choose to go on the path of big, right-handed power prospects, then why look further than the best college power bat, Kris Bryant. Bryant is 21 years old and is a junior at San Diego. He is the prototype of a pure strength and power prospect, starting right from his 6’5″, 215 pound frame, as he shows elite power to all fields with an average hit tool and has an excellent arm, but mediocre speed and fielding ability to fit in at either third base or a corner outfield position. He may be destined for the other side of the diamond at first base, and with that an area of weakness in the Red Sox farm, he profiles well.
Like Clint Frazier, who I highlighted in the last Amateur Hour, Bryant shows the potential of a 25-30 home run bat if he develops properly. However, he lacks the pure athleticism of Frazier, and does not play a premium position like the Logansville High School center fielder. While Frazier’s struggles may move him from center to left or right, Bryant’s struggles in the field may move him from left field, right field, or third base all the way down on the position chart to first base.
Jul 4, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; A general view during a flyover past a large American flag draped over the green monster prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Still, whenever there is a right-hander power bat who also fills a need available, the Red Sox are sure to be around. Bryant could play pepper with the Green Monster and fit into the middle of a lineup in a few years, as he is relatively advanced. If Bryant is around with the #7 pick, he will almost certainly be one of the Red Sox top choices.