Sources: Former Cubs first-rounder to try pitching
Ryan Harvey, a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2003, has signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox, major league sources told FOXSports.com.
But this isn’t a simple story of a former top prospect getting a second chance. He’s changing his career path entirely.
Harvey, 26, had a .244 batting average in eight seasons as a minor league outfielder but never reached higher than Double-A. So, he’s putting the bat aside in an attempt to revive his career as a right-handed pitcher.
It’s apparent he has a strong throwing arm. In 57 games as a right fielder this year at Double-A Tulsa, Harvey had 12 assists.
Harvey’s stock as a position player was once so high that the Cubs took him with the No. 6 overall selection. Baseball America twice rated him among the top 70 prospects in the game.
The Red Sox are encouraged enough by his potential that they invited him to a preseason camp for top prospects.
— Jon Paul Morosi
- TAGS:
- Boston Red Sox
- Chicago Cubs
