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Former Red Sox prospect Hudson Potts signs minor-league deal with Braves

Originally posted on Blogging the Red Sox
By Brendan Campbell | Last updated 12/5/22

Former Red Sox prospect Hudson Potts has signed a minor-league contract with the Braves for the 2023 season, per his Instagram page.

Potts, 24, was originally acquired from the Padres with outfielder Jeisson Rosario in the August 2020 trade that sent Mitch Moreland to San Diego. The former first-round draft selection was added to Boston’s 40-man roster that November and spent the entirety of his first full season in the organization at Double-A Portland.

Baseball America ranked Potts as the No. 27 prospect in the Red Sox’ farm system heading into the 2021 campaign. The right-handed hitting infielder was limited to just 78 games with the Sea Dogs and batted .217/.264/.399 (76 wRC+) with 18 doubles, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 16 walks, and 100 strikeouts over 307 plate appearances.

On the heels of such an underwhelming season, Potts found himself on Boston’s 40-man roster bubble coming into 2022. On March 22, the Red Sox needed to create an opening on their 40-man roster after claiming reliever Kyle Tyler off waivers from the Angels. They did so by designating Potts for assignment.

Potts cleared waivers three days after being designated and was outrighted to the minor-leagues. Remaining in the Red Sox organization as a non-40-man roster player, Potts proceeded to put up improved numbers in his return to Portland this season. He slashed .234/.297/.454 (101 wRC+) with 17 doubles, 14 homers, 44 runs driven in, 36 runs scored, one stolen base, 24 walks, and 100 strikeouts across 75 games (296 plate appearances) before being promoted to Triple-A Worcester in late September.

HUDSON POTTS PUTS PORTLAND BACK ON TOP pic.twitter.com/awHcJycUwB
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) September 23, 2022

In two games with the WooSox, Potts went 1-for-5 (.200) with a double, run, walk, and strikeout. Since 2022 marked his seventh year in pro ball, Potts became a minor-league free agent for the first time in his career last month. As it now turns out, it took the Texas native less than a full month to find a new opportunity elsewhere.

Considering that he does not turn 25 until next October, Potts still has a relatively high ceiling. His raw power has always been his standout tool. On the other side of the ball, the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder initially came up as a shortstop but has since made the transition to the infield corners. This season, for instance, Potts started 52 games at first base compared to 20 at third.

All that being said, Potts should at the very least provide the Braves with some corner infield depth at either Double-A Mississippi or Triple-A Gwinnett next season. It will be interesting to see how he responds to a new change of scenery in 2023.

This article first appeared on Blogging the Red Sox and was syndicated with permission.

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