MLB Prospects: Every MLB Team's Top Catching Prospect

In the wake of publishing my updated Top 50 prospects, it's time to feature some of the other prospects that were not lucky enough to make the list.

As I continue to write prospect scouting reports for every organization, I will also be ranking prospects by position, tools, roster status and estimated time of arrival.

Today, we look at every team’s top catching prospect. Although some of these players are on the brink of a big-league call-up, most are attempting to make a name for themselves in the low minors as they work towards transforming raw talent into projectable skills.

Boston Red Sox: Blake Swihart

Height/Weight: 6’1”/175 pounds

DOB: 4/3/1992             

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS—Rio Rancho, NM)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: .184/.237/.262, 5 XBH, 2 SB, 18 K/8 BB (26 G)

Overview: Swihart is an athletic, switch-hitting backstop that took up the position just a little over two years ago.  As you can imagine, he’s still very raw behind the plate.  However, he’s handled the transition well and made significant strides in his receiving and blocking. He has plus raw arm strength but still has considerable work to do to his release.  

As is the case with most switch hitters, Swihart’s bat is more advanced from the right side than the left, although the latter already flashes the potential for plus power.  He understands the strike zone well for a young hitter, which furthers his chances of hitting for a solid average.

Depending on the development of his bat, Swihart possesses the athleticism and arm strength to move to a corner outfield spot.  But the Red Sox will try to keep him behind the plate as long as possible, where they hope his bat will ultimately provide greater value. 

Baltimore Orioles: Gabriel Lino

Height/Weight: 6’3”/195

DOB: 5/17/1993

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Venezuela

2012 Stats

High-A: .253/.318/.384, 9 XBH, 33 K/8 BB (26 G)

Overview: Still a teenager, Lino is extremely raw but has a high ceiling. Given his size, he moves well behind the plate, although his blocking skills need considerable refinement. He has a strong, above-average arm that should get better as he improves both his catch-and-throw skills and footwork. 

At the plate, Lino is an imposing presence in the batter’s box with raw power and a decent approach. He’s also demonstrated an ability to manipulate counts and drive the ball the other way. Now it’s just a matter of putting everything together. 

Tampa Bay Rays: Luke Bailey

Height/Weight: 6’0"/200

DOB: 3/11/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, fourth round (HS—LaGrange, Ga.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .167/.222/.250, 1 XBH, 7 K/1 BB (7 G)

Overview: While Bailey remains raw in all facets of the game, his athleticism and raw power make him a highly intriguing catching prospect. His athleticism and agility is apparent behind the plate, and he has a strong and accurate arm that allowed him to throw out runners a 40-percent clip in 2011.

The right-handed hitter employs a power swing with too much uppercut that keeps his bat in the zone for only a short period of time. However, his power is undeniable. The development of more mature plate discipline and a leveler swing could turn Bailey into a well-rounded prospect. 

Toronto Blue Jays: Travis d'Arnaud

Height/Weight: 6'2"/195

DOB: 2/10/1989           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, first round (HS—Lakewood, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .266/.336/.406, 12 XBH, 24 K/12 BB (31 G)

Overview: Travis d’Arnaud garnered Eastern League MVP honors in 2011 after posting a .914 OPS at Double-A. His bat has enough pop to be a middle-of-the-order presence, with the potential to hit 20-plus home runs while consistently hitting around .280.

He could even flirt with a .300 average with improved plate discipline. He has quick wrists and a direct bat path that generate power to all fields, and he has already shown an ability to hit quality off-speed pitches.

Although his defense leaves something to be desired, he’s surprisingly athletic behind the plate with an above-average arm. Still, he’s light years ahead of J.P. Arencibia defensively.

New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez

Height/Weight: 6'2", 220

DOB: 12/2/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Dominican Republic 

2012 Stats

Low-A: .358/.409/.491, 12 XBH, 8 SB, 30 K/9 BB (27 G)

Overview: Gary Sanchez distinguished himself as one of the game’s top catching prospects in 2010 by slashing .353/.419/.597 to begin his professional career. Although the power still showed in 2011, he lacked consistency.

Sanchez has easy, raw power to all fields thanks to pure bat speed, and he should hit for a decent average. He knows how to work the count, often to his own detriment, and struggles with quality off-speed offerings.

His receiving skills can be poor at times, and he can even come across as careless. Scouts think he will improve behind the plate enough to keep his bat there—a la Jesus Montero. He does have a plus arm that helped him gun down 31 percent of base stealers last season.

Minnesota Twins: Chris Herrmann

Height/Weight: 6’0"/200

DOB: 11/24/1987

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, sixth round (Miami)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .246/.288/.415, 14 XBH, 29 K/8 BB (32 G)

Overview: Herrmann only began catching full-time in 2010, but his athleticism has allowed him to make quick adjustments. Due to his average speed that plays up in game situations and strong arm, he’ll also continue to receive looks at both corner outfield positions.

He moves well behind the plate and is an adept blocker but has a lot to learn in regards to game-calling and specifically handling each pitcher.  

Herrmann lacks loft in his swing, so his power potential is limited. However, it does enable him to use the whole field and hit for a respectable average.

Kansas City Royals: Cameron Gallagher

Height/Weight: 6’3”/210

DOB: 12/6/1992

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS—Lancaster, Pa.)

2012 Stats:

N/A

Overview: A physically strong catcher, Gallagher has surprisingly soft, giving hands, though he remains raw defensively overall. He has a strong arm but will need to shave a bit off his pop time.

He has more upside on offense, where his bat has already flashed raw power potential. The development of his plate discipline will ultimately determine whether he hits for average.

Detroit Tigers: Rob Brantly

Height/Weight: 6’2”/205

DOB: 7/14/1989

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, third round (UC Riverside)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .357/.400/.548, 16 XBH, 22 RBI, 11 K/8 BB (29 G)

Overview: Brantley has a short, compact swing from the left side that results in line drives to all fields with occasional power. Right now he hits more doubles than yard balls, though that could change with a little more loft to his swing. He’s an aggressive hitter who is capable of attacking pitches throughout the strike zone.

On defense, he is an average receiver who prides himself on a quick release that makes his arm play up. Brantley still has room to develop as both a blocker and game-caller.

Cleveland Indians: Jake Lowery

Height/Weight: 5’10”/200

DOB: 7/21/1990

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, fourth round (James Madison)

2012 Stats

High-A: .261/.325/.383, 10 XBH, 37 K/11 BB (31 G)

Overview: Lowery possesses a mature approach at the plate that caters to his above-average raw power. In 2011, the left-handed hitter paced the New York-Penn League with 23 doubles and 30 extra-hits.

Early in the year at Virginia, he led all Division 1 hitters with 200 total bases and 91 RBI, while his 24 home runs was good for second in the nation. His actions behind the plate are still raw, but he has a plus arm that delivers accurate throws.

Chicago White Sox: Josh Phegley

Height/Weight: 5’10”/215

DOB: 2/12/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round supplemental (Indiana)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .310/.352/.448, 14 XBH, 15 K/5 BB (29 G)

Overview: After two injury-plagued seasons to open his career, Phegly has continually improved as he’s gotten healthier. He maintains a consistent approach that hints at the potential to consistently hit for average, but time will tell whether his gap-power develops into average power.

His arm strength has allowed him to throw out runners at over 45 percent in his career, though his stocky frame impedes his mobility behind the plate. Given Tyler Flowers’ struggles as A.J. Pierzynski’s backup, Phegley could get his chance in the near future.

Oakland Athletics: Derek Norris

Height/Weight: 6’0"/210

DOB: 2/14/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, fourth round (HS—Goddard, Kan.)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .293/.333/.500, 15 XBH, 21 RBI, 21 K/9 BB (31 G)

Overview: Norris has continually been lauded for his plate discipline and overall offensive potential. He has plus power and generates considerable extension after contact that allows him to jump the yard to all fields.

He’s struggled to find the balance between too patient and aggressive, which has prevented him from reaching his offensive ceiling. He moves surprising well in relation to his frame and has a strong and accurate arm.

Given the A’s catching situation, it shouldn’t be long before Norris receives a call-up.

Seattle Mariners: John Hicks

Height/Weight: 6’2”/190

DOB: 8/31/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, fourth round (Virginia)

2012 Stats

High-A: .313/.375/.443, 13 XBH, 22 RBI, 4 SB, 22 K/11 BB

Overview: Hicks has only been a full-time catcher since 2011, so his defense continues to be a work in progress. He’s athletic and possesses above-average arm strength and could become a solid blocker and receiver over time.

A right-handed hitter, Hicks will consistently tally a considerable amount of doubles, though it’ll be interesting to see if he ever develops more than average power.  He could stand to draw more works, but his hand-eye coordination allows him to make consistent contact. 

Los Angeles Angels: Carlos Ramirez

Height/Weight: 5’11”/210

DOB: 3/19/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, eighth round (Arizona State)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .193/.254/.263, 3 XBH, 13 K/5 BB (17 G)

Overview: A stocky catcher, Ramirez has quick feet behind the plate, although nothing he does really stands out. His arm is solid-average that plays up due to efficient throwing mechanics.

As a hitter, he has the quick-twitch muscles in his wrists that allow him to let the ball travel deep and square up the ball to all fields. 

Texas Rangers: Jorge Alfaro

Height/Weight: 6’2”/185

DOB: 6/11/1993

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, Colombia

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .290/.313/.419, 3 XBH, 9 K/1 BB (8 G)

Overview: Alfaro has an absolutely explosive swing thanks to considerable raw bat speed and a powerful weight transfer through the baseball. As a catcher, his plus power is already a premium, and there’s still room for further development. 

Like most young power hitters, his swing can get a bit long and loopy, which has resulted in excessive strikeouts (31.6 percent). He’s ahead of the curve in pitch recognition for prospects his age, but he still fights the urge not to take a monster hack at anything near the zone.

Defensively, Alfaro has an absolute cannon for an arm. However, both his transfer and footwork are fringy, so he’ll have to learn to streamline his throws in order to be successful down the road.

He has all the tools to be an elite catcher; it’s just a matter of how quickly they develop.

Miami Marlins: J.T. Realmuto

Height/Weight: 6’1”/190

DOB: 3/18/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, third round (HS—Midwest City, Okla.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .245/.325/.364, 5 XBH, 6 SB, 12 K/12 BB (29 G)

Overview: Realmuto is a Buster Posey-like prospect whose excellent athleticism allowed a move from shortstop to catcher. He has excellent bat speed and above-average raw power and has shown improving plate discipline. His above-average speed and aggressiveness on the base paths has distinguished him from other catching prospects.

Realmuto's athleticism plays exceptionally well behind the plate, while his blocking and receiving skills are continually developing. His plus arm is arguably his strongest tool, as he threw out hopeful basestealers at a 42-percent clip in 2011.

A strong second full season could warrant a significant jump in the rankings. 

Atlanta Braves: Christian Bethancourt

Height/Weight: 6’2”/190 

DOB: 9/21/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Panama

2012 Stats:

Double-A: .268/.288/.296, 4 SB, 2 XBH, 11 K/4 BB (19 G)

Overview: Bethancourt has the athleticism and raw tools to be an All-Star catcher. Now it’s just a matter of putting it all together. He’s an average receiver with a rocket arm and fluid release that consistently produces sub-1.9 pop times.

At the plate he will swing at almost anything and rarely walks, though he does have superb hand-eye coordination that helps him square the ball up with consistency. He’s shown some gap power early in his career, which leads some to believe that he may hit for average power.

At 20 years old, his on-field demeanor is immature, and he can get lazy in his approach and blocking behind the plate. He has decent speed for a catcher but isn’t the base-stealing type.

Washington Nationals: David Freitas

Height/Weight: 6’2”/225

DOB: 3/18/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, 15th round (Hawaii)

2012 Stats

High-A: .300/.390/.478, 10 XBH, 15 K/13 BB (25 G)

Overview: A bat-first catcher who still has the athleticism to improve defensively, Freitas posted back-to-back .850-plus OPS seasons to open his professional career.

His greatest asset as a hitter is his advanced plate discipline, which allows him to hit for both average and power. Increased use of his lower half and a more direct bat path has yielded increased power without sacrificing batting average.

He’s drawn praise from both his pitchers and coaches for his game-calling abilities and has improvement in both his blocking and receiving.  Although Freitas has above-average arm strength, his arm-slot is inconsistent and he relies on natural athleticism.

However, once his throwing mechanics are ironed out, he has the potential to be a promising catching prospect.  

Philadelphia Phillies: Sebastian Valle

Height/Weight: 6’1”/205

DOB: 7/24/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2006, Mexico

2012 Stats

Double-A: .240/.284/.320, 6 XBH, 29 K/7 BB (26 G)

Overview: A physically strong backstop, Valle has a strong and accurate arm and consistently records 1.9-1.95 pop times. He moves athletically behind the plate and is aggressive in throwing behind runners. 

At the plate, the right-handed hitter has plus raw power thanks to strong forearms and, in turn, excellent bat speed. When he stays inside the ball, Valle shows the potential to hit for a respectable average, though he can get too pull-oriented at times.

New York Mets: Camden Maron

Height/Weight: 6’1”/175

DOB: 1/20/1991

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, 34th round (HS—Hicksville, NY)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .214/.309/.298, 5 XBH, 21 K/11 BB (20 G)

Overview: A local player who grew up a Mets fan, Maron is a bat-first catcher who has already demonstrated impressive plate discipline, though it will be challenged at higher levels.

Employing an intense work ethic, he has worked hard to improve defensively. He demonstrates agility behind the plate and his soft hands make him a solid-average receiver. He has an accurate arm, though he’ll need to continue to improve his pop times and release. 

A left-handed hitter, Maron uses the whole field and has shown an ability to make consistent contact. 

Milwaukee Brewers: Martin Maldonado

Height/Weight: 6’1”/225

DOB: 8/16/1986

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2004, 27th round (HS—Naguabo, Puerto Rico)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .198/.258/.302, 5 XBH, 26 K/5 BB (25 G)

Overview: Regarded as an excellent defensive catcher, Maldonado’s bat remains suspect. Possessing a legitimate double-plus arm, he hosed 43 percent of base-stealers in last season and was voted the top defensive catcher in the Southern League (Double-A). He has true hands behind the plate and puts down the right fingers.

A right-handed hitter, Maldonado has been unable to cut down his lengthy swing and chases far too many borderline pitches. He’s without a doubt the best defensive option in the Brewers’ system (including current big leaguers Jonathan Lucroy and George Kottaras), but his bat continues to hold him back.

Houston Astros: Chris Wallace

Height/Weight: 6’0"/220

DOB: 4/27/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, 18th round (Houston)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .194/.286/.371, 7 XBH, 18 K/7 BB (18 G)

Overview: A hometown product, Wallace is a leader behind the plate who broke into the minors handling an impressive young pitching staff. A right-handed hitter, he possesses plus-power potential, though he’ll need to refine his plate discipline as he moves through the Astros’ system. 

Defensively, Wallace is a solid-average receiver and blocker who struggles to consistently throw out baserunners. 

St. Louis Cardinals: Cody Stanley

Height/Weight: 5’10”/190

DOB: 12/21/1988

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (UNC Wilmington)

2012 Stats:

N/A

Overview: Stanley has already shown an impressive work ethic and willingness to improve, especially defensively. Despite his stocky frame, he moves well behind the plate and has exhibited surprisingly quick feet.

Stanley has a ways to go in terms of his plate discipline, but he’s a left-handed hitter who has shown a knack for squaring up the baseball. If he can continue to make strides defensively, Stanley could begin to move quickly through a Cardinals system that lacks catching talent.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Tony Sanchez

Height/Weight: 6’0"/225

DOB: 5/20/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (Boston College)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .258/.353/.371, 9 XBH, 23 K/10 BB (24 G)

Overview: Despite some off-the-field and maturity issues, Sanchez still possesses a lot of upside. He’s a solid-average defensive catcher with a strong arm, though he has a tendency to get lazy behind the plate.

After a strong 2010 season at High-A (.314/.416/.454), Sanchez struggled in 2011 both with the bat and behind the plate. He lacks power potential but tried to become one last season by employing a pull-happy approach. 

However, he maintains the ability to hit for average thanks to quick wrists and the ability to spit on close pitches.

Cincinnati Reds: Tucker Barnhart

Height/Weight: 5’10”/185

DOB: 1/7/1991

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, 10th round (HS—Browsburg, Ind.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .225/.308/.325, 6 XBH, 22 K/10 BB (25 G)

Overview: Devin Mesoraco’s promotion to a backup role with the Reds, as well as Yasmani Grandal’s offseason trade, have opened the door for Barnhart to ascend the organizational depth chart. His defensive skills are some of the best in all of the minors, as he’s an above-average receiver with a quick transfer and release. 

A switch hitter, Barnhart struggles mightily from the right side. From the left side, he’s demonstrated an ability to manipulate counts and spray line drives from pole-to-pole.

Chicago Cubs: Wellington Castillo

Height/Weight: 5’10”/210

DOB: 4/24/1987

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2004, Dominican Republic

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .320/.435/.520, 6 XBH, 12 K/8 BB (16 G)

MLB: .176/.222/.235, 5 K/1 BB (4 G)

Overview: Castillo has continually received unfavorable reviews for his lack of work ethic and complacency towards improvement. However his plus arm and power remain undeniable. His receiving skills have improved in recent years, though there is still plenty of room for him to improve.

Castillo consistently registers pop times in the 1.9 range, which profiles well in the majors. Geovany Soto’s struggles have opened the door for him. Now he’ll need to be more consistent at the plate in his third big-league stint.

Colorado Rockies: Will Swanner

Height/Weight: 6’2”/185

DOB: 9/10/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, 15th round (HS—Carlsbad, Calif.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .325/.393/.600, 15 XBH, 23 K/7 BB (22 G)

Overview: Although he has plus power, Swanner’s aggressiveness at the plate impedes his ability to make consistent contact. He has a tendency to lunge at breaking balls, but he’s made some improvements this season.

Despite having an above-average arm, Swanner struggles to streamline his throws and will need to employ a quicker release to be successful at higher levels. Both his blocking and receiving skills are solid-average, but it’s his bat that makes him an intriguing prospect.

San Francisco Giants: Andrew Susac

Height/Weight: 6’2”/210

DOB: 3/22/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (Oregon State)

2012 Stats

High-A: .247/.390/.333, 5 XBH, 26 K/16 BB (24 G)

Overview: Susac possesses plus raw power with a lofty swing that generates backspin to all fields. However, he tends to land hard on his front side, which will continue to make him vulnerable to quality offspeed pitches until it’s ironed out.

Defensively, his skillset is above average, though his athleticism and strong arm suggest he’ll ultimately become a sound defensive catcher overall.

San Diego Padres: Yasmani Grandal

Height/Weight: 6'2''/210

DOB: 11/8/1988           

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (University of Miami)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .276/.419/.483, 6 XBH, 14 K/13 BB (18 G)

Overview: Grandal, a switch-hitter, was selected 12th overall in 2010 and has already appeared at every level. He’s a bat-first catcher with the ability to hit for both power and average from both sides of the plate. He has also shown a sound approach at the plate with knowledge of the strike zone and good on-base skills.

Grandal’s receiving skills can lapse at times, but it’s not overly worrisome. He possesses the physicality for the position as well as a slightly above-average arm that has helped him hose base stealers at a 34 percent clip.

Having started the year at Triple-A, he'll have a chance to make his major league debut at some point during the 2012 season. Nick Hundley’s three-year extension this spring does complicate things for Grandal, though it shouldn't impede his 2013 arrival.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Tim Federowicz

Height/Weight: 5’10”/215

DOB: 8/5/1987

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, seventh round (North Carolina)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .277/.328/.429, 12 XBH, 24 K/10 BB (31 G)

Overview: A defense-first catcher, Federowicz is an exceptional blocker behind the plate with above-average receiving skills and an accurate arm. Although he doesn’t have much power, Federowicz has the potential to hit for a respectable average at the big-league level if given an everyday opportunity. 

Arizona Diamondbacks: Michael Perez

Height/Weight: 5’11”/180

DOB: 8/7/1992

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, fifth round (Puerto Rico)

2012 Stats: N/A

Overview: A left-handed hitting catcher with bat-first upside, Perez possesses raw power and generates backspin to all fields. He lacks a consistent approach at the plate, but that’s something that could develop with experience.

Defensively, he possesses a slightly above-average arm. His blocking and receiving skills are pretty unrefined but, like most of his overall game, will be an ongoing work-in-progress.