Over the last few weeks, the Boston Red Sox farm system has reached new heights. The Red Sox currently have the ninth-best system in baseball and added more talent in the 2021 MLB Draft. One player who has gotten off to a hot start is TCU product, Phillip Sikes. The 22-year-old was selected in the 18th round and is already making an impact in the Florida Gulf Coast League. He has, however, had a unique road to the pros.
Before arriving at TCU, Sikes also spent time at Pima Community college. Although he only played one year at Pima, it made an impact. “The recruiting process out of high school was awesome, and out of junior college, it was even better,” said Sikes. “I loved my time at Pima, and it was a great school. Making the transition to TCU, which is close to where I live, was great. I had the opportunity to play close to home and get a great education.”
After an impressive 2019 campaign, Sikes struggled in 2020. The Texas native hit .167 in 48 at-bats for TCU before the Covid-19 pandemic canceled the season. While Sikes only played in 15 games last season, it was a year that put a lot in perspective. “It was unfortunate that the season was canceled,” said Sikes. “We had a great team, and we’re off to a hot start. To have something like the pandemic happen really put into perspective how grateful we are to have baseball.”
In 2021 however, Sikes bounced back and had the best season of his college career. The 22-year-old appeared in 58 games and hit .329. Sikes was also able to showcase his power and had 35 extra-base hits. His success was partly due to his decision to focus on one position.
Phillip Sikes (@SikesPhillip) is a legit 2-way dude.
RHP: 5 IP, 13K, 3 Sv., 0 ER. FB: 89-92, SL: 78-80
OF: .320, 3 HR, 5 2B, 3B, 16 RBI, 8 SB, 18R (wood bat)
6-2, 195 lbs. • So. • D1 transfer • @BaseballPima (NJCAA) #uncommitted #DudeAlert (2018 highlights via @ecexpress) pic.twitter.com/Zfex7o20sZ
— Five Tool JUCO (@FiveToolJUCO) March 4, 2019
Sikes Makes a Career Change
“I came to TCU as a two-way player,” said Sikes. “It became tough to throw bullpens every week and to throw from the outfield. It was a lot of arm strength, and it was time to decide on one position for my career. I decided to go with the hitting route, which has worked out.”
After being selected by Boston with the 526th overall pick, Sikes has thrived with his new organization. In the first eight games of his pro career, Sikes is batting .440. Through 25 at-bats, the 2021 draft pick has 11 hits and has driven in six runs. Although Sikes has made the transition seem effortless, he has had to adjust to the Florida heat.
“It’s been a little different, but at the end of the day, it’s still baseball,” said Sikes. “The weather, however, in Florida has been humid. I’ve had to make sure that I’m hydrated, so I don’t overheat out here.” With the minor league season nearly over, Sikes will head into the offseason ready to build on his impressive start. In what will be an important offseason, the talented outfielder is eager to improve his game and learn from those around him. “My goals are to continue to develop and improve my game,” said Skies. “It’s hard to stay consistent in baseball, but I just want to learn from other people. One thing I am going to focus on is adding some weight and power.”
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Jamie Gatlin On Twitter @JamieGatlin17
Main Image Credit:
From Google Images
