Boston Red Sox: This could be the year of Blake Swihart

Boston Red Sox prospect Blake Swihart will be one of many players with something to prove in 2018.  Finally healthy, he is definitely read to go.

Perhaps it’s time to stop calling Blake Swihart a prospect.  Through injury and inconsistent play, the Boston Red Sox versatile catcher has kind of fallen off the radar since he showed a glimpse of what he can do during the 2015 season.

It was back then that Swihart was the promising prospect labeled as the next potential star.  Now, with players like Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers surpassing him as far as fan excitement and team expectations go, Swihart is out to show that he is no fluke, especially now that he is healthy.

During the Dominican Winter League, Swihart revealed that he started to feel like himself ago.  Catching back-to-back games while playing for Escogido, Swihart said he actually felt good for the first time in quite a while.  The way his body reacted gave him confidence that he was finally back to that player who excited fans back in 2015.

Now Blake Swihart feels he has the opportunity to excel in a Boston Red Sox uniform.  While he knows he will have to work hard to etch a roster spot on the current team.  Although the majority of his work has come at catcher, his versatility in the field should help him, especially if he shows consistency at the plate.

Willingness to do whatever the team needs

If not at backup catcher, he could help the team as a utility player.  The opportunity will certainly be there if Dustin Pedroia is not ready to go at the start of the season.

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"“I just want to go in and do anything I can to help the team,” Swihart said, via the Providence Journal.  “I still look at myself as a catcher, and if I need to play other positions, I will.”"

Any resurgence in his play could benefit the Boston Red Sox no doubt.  He could become a valuable offensive presence the team is in search for.  He could also increase his value on the trade market.  Once rumored in various trade possibilities, a revamped and healthy Blake Swihart could help land the Red Sox a player that can help them in another area.

In the meantime, he is only focused on getting back to the level he was before a rash of injuries crippled his journey.

"“I know what I can do when I’m healthy, and I’m excited to show everyone else,” he continued.  I have a lot to prove.  I have a lot to show people who Blake really is and to show everybody that I’m back.”"

Next: Boston Red Sox: Let’s be optimistic about 2018

Red Sox Nation will be watching and hoping he does indeed prove who valuable he is on the field.