The Boston Red Sox could be clearing a path for one of their top prospects to make his big-league debut in the not-so-distant future.
This is the time of year to have players attempt to learn new positions in order to increase their versatility and chances of eventually earning a roster spot. A recent first-round pick is doing just that.
"Red Sox are going to have second baseman Nick Yorke work into outfield drills during camp to increase his versatility," the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reported Thursday.
Yorke is the Red Sox's No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He hit .268 with 43 extra-base hits including 13 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .785 OPS in 110 games for Double-A Portland last season.
The 21-year-old profiles as a second baseman but the depth chart ahead of him is star-studded.
Trevor Story currently mans shortstop while Vaughn Grissom -- who is under team control through 2029 -- appears to be the heir apparent at second base.
To make matters more complicated, shortstop Marcelo Mayer is expected to break through to the big leagues in the near future. As it stands now, 10 of the Red Sox's top 30 prospects are middle infielders, and that doesn't include Ceddanne Rafaela -- a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder who also can play middle infield at a very high level.
Yorke's future fit on the roster is extremely unclear. However, if he can continue to hit the way he's been hitting and add some positional versatility, he'll make his Major League Baseball debut in no time.
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