Boston Red Sox prospect Phillip Sikes was an unsung standout of 2022
It’s been a year of spectacular growth for the Boston Red Sox farm system.
Top names such as Ceddanne Rafaela and Brayan Bello dominated the 2022 Minor League Baseball season, but there were plenty of great performances from lesser-known prospects as well. These players positioned themselves nicely for a breakout year in 2023. Phillip Sikes absolutely fits into that category.
Sikes was an 18th-round draft pick in 2021 and wasted no time putting up some monster numbers in Rookie Ball to finish out that year, which led to him starting 2022 in Low-A. While there, he showed off an impressive all-around offensive game. That, coupled with fantastic defense, led to a midseason promotion to High-A, where he finished out the year.
Between the two levels, Sikes slashed .253/.371/.481 with 29 doubles, five triples, and 11 home runs. He drove in 48 runs, scored 57 more, and stole 20 bases in just 21 attempts as well. Those numbers are especially impressive, considering he appeared in only 94 games (316 at-bats).
Sike’s batting average wasn’t super high, but he got on base at a phenomenal clip, and he was hitting the ball hard, often. Fans also saw some streaks from the right-handed hitter. He could iron that out as he gets more time under his belt. Playing a first full professional season is an adjustment, so some ups and downs are to be expected.
The big takeaway from this season is Sikes’ ability to perform in every game area. He was getting on base, and tallying a ton of extra-base hits while doing so, and when he got on, he was a constant threat to steal. The fact that he’s so efficient with the steals adds to the fun.
Defensively, Sikes was on constant web gem watch. My guy wasn’t just diving for baseballs though. Okay, sure, there were plenty of dives, leaps, and slides. But he showcased a cannon on more than one occasion.
Overall, it was a great first full season for Sikes in the Sox system. The TCU product hits the ball extremely hard and can be a demon on the base paths with great speed. He spent all year being a highlight reel on defense too.
Spending the 2022 season as a 23-year-old later-round draft pick in Low-A and High-A might have made people overlook him, but Phillip Sikes did everything he could to prove he belongs though.
Do yourself a favor. In 2023, don’t overlook him again. That is, if he even lets you.