Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Garin Cecchini finds himself amid a mix of talented up-and-coming prospects, being named as the sixth best third base prospect by the prospect writers at MLB.com’s MLB Pipeline. The group is an impressive mix of depth across the position as led by Minnesota’s Miguel Sano, Chicago’s Kris Bryant, and Detroit’s Nick Castellanos.
From the writers at MLB.com:
"The Red Sox went over slot to sign Cecchini after taking him in the fourth round of the 2010 Draft. He didn’t play pro ball that year because of a torn ACL in his right knee, but he’s since shown why Boston took him so high, hitting his way up the organizational ladder. Cecchini has an advanced approach at the plate that allowed him to lead the Minors in on-base percentage (.443) in 2013. He may end up being more of a high-average type than a huge power guy, but his instincts allow all of his tools to play up."
Cecchini’s progress upon joining the Red Sox was initially slowed, as a broken wrist limited his first season to just 32 games, but he’s come on strong over the past two years. The 22 year old split the 2013 season between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, hitting a combined .322/.443/.471 across 557 PA. He’d add 33 doubles, 23 stolen bases, and 94 walks to the mix. He’s had a few growing pains in the field, but most scouts expect that he’ll develop into a solid defender at third base.
While Cecchini is receiving some newly found praise in prospect rankings, his younger brother Gavin Cecchini has been the center of more talk among experts. The shortstop was a 1st Round pick by the New York Mets in 2012 but struggled to stay on the field in 2013, which may have let his brother surpass him.
Cecchini was added onto Boston’s 40-man roster following the 2013 season, but that doesn’t mean that he’s knocking on the door in Boston. With only 66 games under his belt at Double-A it’s possible that he’s heading back there to at least begin the 2014 season but he could make his way to Pawtucket before summer ends.