Pos: C |
DOB: 02/10/1989 |
Ht: 6’2 |
Team: New York Mets |
B/T: R/R |
Wt: 195 |
Stance: Upright, with rhythm through the wrists and hands wrapping barrel towards the pitcher into load. Wide base. Quiet lower half with a timed stride.
Approach: Will work deep into counts, tendency to dive across the plate, can be susceptible to velocity up in the zone and inside at times. Balance through swing can be a little over-aggressive. He is a timing hitter. Picks up spin okay, but will front foot or swing through change ups. Almost seems to sit on breaking ball with confidence in hands to catch fastballs.
Hitting Ability: Slight bat wrap makes for a late load at times, making him vulnerable to premium velocity up in the zone and in tight. Will show good bat speed in a snappy swing that shows some loft but also has tendency for front side leak leading to inefficient bat path. He has hit his way through the minors with relative ease and will drive balls down the alleys with a compact stroke.
Power: Has shown power through his minor league career. Has the build, athleticism and track record to have average power, certainly for a catcher. There is loft in his swing. While he is scuffling a bit in his major league debut, the strength in his hands and wrists portend power to come.
Running: Not typical for a catcher, he shows average speed on the bases befitting his solid footwork defensively behind the dish.
Fielding: Sets up smaller, his receiving is still a bit raw. Early in call up, was pushing borderline pitches out, especially with runners on base, but does better receiving pitches low in the zone when he has a stronger base with no runners on. Strong legs, 1.9-1.95 pop times with a strong arm and quick, solid foot work. Has made strides over the years in rounding out his receiving. Experience will open the door for him to be a plus defender as the tools are present.
Physical Description: Physical build, good catcher’s body, thick core with quick feet.
Projection: Struggling at the plate and inconsistent behind the dish, it can take multiple looks to start fully appreciating what he might become. While his minor league stats paint an outline, he flashes a skillset that could allow him to be a first division contributor behind the dish. His present hand strength is difficult to teach. Coupled with a patient approach and a track record, he should eventually be a plus offensive weapon for a catcher. His defense is a little more up for debate. Generally lauded for his catch and throw skills, he has been inconsistent this year particularly with his receiving. But having seen him plus at times with the gear on, can envision him being an above average first stringer on both sides of the ball for many years to come.