Scouting Report Update: Hudson Potts

At this year's trade deadline, the Red Sox added two more top-20 prospects to the system. Today, we post our initial scouting report on the second of those players, infielder Hudson Potts. Acquired along with Jeisson Rosario from the San Diego Padres for Mitch Moreland, Potts enters the SoxProspects rankings at number 15.

Physical Description: Large, sturdy frame. Looks the part, well proportioned. Minimal remaining projection.

Hit: Starts square with his hands by his shoulders. Relaxed, loose at the plate. Utilizes a leg lift timing device. Barrel stays in the zone. Has had trouble catching up with high fastballs. Will take a walk on occasion, but approach still needs refinement. Lot of swing-and-miss in his game, especially on pitches within the zone at a high rate. Potential below-average hit tool.

Power: Easy plus raw power. Power is primarily to the pull side, but will flash all-fields power. Hits the ball very hard, but could stand to add more loft to his swing. Has the potential for solid-average in-game power, capable of hitting 25-30 home runs a year in his peak if his hit tool develops.

Run: Below-average runner. Not a major part of his game.

Field: Soft hands, reliable in the field. Moves well enough and will make the routine plays. Not flashy, will not make many stand-out plays, but can do the job. Has shown the ability to play second base adequately to add to his versatility. Potential fringe-average defensive profile.

Arm: Above-average arm, plenty for third base.

Career Notes: Went by Hudson Sanchez until 2016, when he took his stepfather's last name. Took an under-slot deal after being selected in the first round by San Diego in 2016. Was advanced aggressively through the minors by the Padres, reaching Double-A at age 19 in his second full season.

Summation: Projects as a power-first bench bat. Has the ceiling of an everyday regular for a competing team who could slot into a five- or six-hole due to his power, but has a long way to go to reach his potential. Biggest question mark is if he can show enough hitting ability to tap into his power potential. Has to refine his hit tool and cut some of the swing-and-miss out of his game. Took a step back after being aggressively promoted to Double-A, but was extremely young for the league. With a refined approach could head back there and succeed in 2021 when he will still be young for the level.

Ian Cundall is Director of Scouting for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @iancundall.

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