Hickey has played first base in three of his last eight games for Triple-A Worcester, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.
Hickey, who has played catcher exclusively through his first three professional seasons, may have a path to the majors at first base with Triston Casas (oblique) on the 60-day injured list. However, he's off to a slow start for the WooSox, slashing .226/.330/.393 over 97 plate appearances. There's always been questions about Hickey's defense behind the plate, and a position move has been discussed previously within the organization.
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Red Sox's Nathan Hickey: Remains catcher for now
Rotowire
Hickey needs to improve his framing and throwing or could end up changing positions, Christoper Smith of MassLive.com reports.
Hickey's above-average offense was on display in 2023 as it was the year prior. He swatted 19 home runs over 80 games in stops at High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland; however, his work behind the dish is sketchy -- the 24-year-old threw out just seven percent (10-for-139) of base stealers. Scouts say it has more to do with mechanics than arm strength, and that will be a focus in 2024. If the defense doesn't improve, Hickey could move to first base/DH, or potentially, left field.
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Red Sox's Nathan Hickey: Bumped up to Double-A
Rotowire
Hickey was promoted from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland on Tuesday.
This was a much-needed promotion for the 23-year-old catcher, as hitters his age with his pedigree (fifth-round pick in 2021) belong in the upper levels. The lefty-hitting backstop had a .294/.402/.588 slash line with four home runs, a 24.4 percent strikeout rate and a 14.6 percent walk rate in 18 games in a return to High-A after logging similar numbers at that level in 34 games in 2022.
