No. 20: Red Sox outfield prospect Nick Decker
I swear I didn’t do this on purpose – Nick Northcut and Nick Decker were a force together in Low-A this year and now they end up right next to each other on the Top-30 prospect list.
Decker does not have an overpowering aspect of his game like Northcut did with his power, but he’s much more well-rounded. He has potential to be good-to-great in everything really.
The 22-year-old slashed .276/.377/.452 in 250 at-bats for Salem this year. He hit 18 doubles, one triple, and eight home runs. In that time, the left-handed hitter also drove in 39 runs and scored another 55 – even stealing four bases.
Decker struck out a bit too much (83 times) but had a decent 37 walks. He’s getting better in this area, and it could really help boost his already solid average and OBP. Potential to hit .280 with 30 doubles and 20 home runs.
When it comes to speed, Decker is pretty solid there. He isn’t in the elite-speed category, but certainly above average. The outfielder can cover a lot of ground on defense and make a lot of plays with his legs on the base paths. Could get 15-20 steals.
Defensively, I’ve already talked about how he can cover ground. Has a very sure glove and while his instincts aren’t the best, he is improving in that area. If he can get the first step and pursuit angles down, there could be something really good here. Definitely high potential. It doesn’t hurt that he has a very strong and accurate arm that will work anywhere and would be perfect for right field at Fenway.
Overall, Decker has some improving to do in a few areas of his game. But he can barrel up the ball nicely and has legitimate 20-20 potential. Good all-around game that the Red Sox should love. Defense, speed, and power are all above average and his hit and arm tools could both be true “plus” traits.
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 55
Overall: 55