Evaluating Washington Nationals Prospect Chris Bostick

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Dates Scouted:     6+ Times in 2015, Most Recently 7/16 & 7/18

7-Word Scouting Report:    Plus Speed, Intriguing Power, Questionable Profile, Sleeper

Acquired along with Abel De Los Santos from Texas last offseason for LHP Ross Detwiler, the 22-year-old Bostick quietly had a productive season splitting time for both the Potomac Nationals and Harrisburg Senators in 2015. Bostick played in 137 games this season (62 for Potomac, 75 for Harrisburg), hitting a combined .258/.312/.398 with 12 home runs, 42 extra base hits and 31 stolen bases. He spent most of the season playing second base, though he did see some time at left field, center field and shortstop.

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In the field Bostick was drafted as a shortstop by Oakland in the 44th round of the 2011 draft, but was quickly shifted to the keystone upon signing a professional contract. Bostick is a wiry 5-11 185lbs with excellent athleticism and the projection remaining in his lean frame to add 5-8lbs of positive mass. He owns outstanding plus or “60” speed, which he has used to steal 96 bases in 480 career minor league games. Bostick has an average (“50”) arm with a reasonably quick release. Unfortunately these skills do not add up to a dynamic defensive second baseman, as Bostick does not look comfortable and will make errors on the routine play. I project him as a potential “40” defender at second and think his future could be in the outfield to capitalize on his speed.

Offensively Bostick is a right-handed hitter possessing obvious bat speed and loose wrists, whipping the barrel through the strike zone. His swing has some undesired length but the authority which he swings the bat allows him to make violent contact, as his 92 extra base hits the past two seasons indicate. The length in Bostick’s swing causes a moderate whiff rate, although he tries to counteract that by taking the occasional walk. If he can tighten up his swing and make a few adjustments, Bostick profiles as a potential “40/45” hitter in the future.

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Although Bostick failed to match his breakout 2014 hitting 52 extra base hits, this year was another successful season in his progression toward the major leagues. Bostick has excellent speed, along with a solid throwing arm and interesting power potential for a middle infielder. I fear his lack of a second above-average or better tool and his awkwardness at second base will shift his major league profile toward a bench player. That said his exciting combination of power and speed from someone capable of playing an up-the-middle position makes him a promising prospect.

If Bostick can make the refinements to his swing and improve his skills on defense, he could still develop into a starting second baseman down the road. Most likely, he settles into a role as a multipurpose bench player who offers speed and right-handed power. This is a valuable asset to any National League team, especially through his arbitration years. Chris Bostick reminds me of the 2001 Dr. Dre classic, “Forgot About Dre”, because people are sleeping on his potential – He is a future major leaguer.