The Top Defensive Catchers in the Minor Leagues

MiLB recently released their annual look at the best defensive catchers in the Minor Leagues. The list contains several players who appeared on top 100 prospects lists, getting noticed for their bat as well as their gloves. I’ve ranked the top five defensive backstops based on ability and potential to impact their Major League club in the future.

5. Reese McGuire, Pirates

McGuire is the youngest player on this list at just 19 years old. Despite being a teenager, the 2013 first rounder has an advanced defensive game. His biggest physical asset is definitely his strong arm, which allowed him to throw out nearly 40% of basestealers at Single-A West Virginia last season. His quick pop time and release combined with the strong arm make it extremely difficult to beat his throw to the bag. McGuire appears on this list as much for his makeup as he does for his arm. He developed a reputation last season as someone that shuts down running games, as well as someone who can block a ball in the dirt and manage pitching staffs well. Great defensive catchers have the intangibles and leadership that prove more valuable than their raw skill. The 6 foot, 180 pounder has an innate leadership ability that should only become stronger as he matures. He should be ready to spend the majority of the 2015 season in Double-A.

4. Christian Bethancourt

Bethancourt is the most Major-League ready backstop on this list, after spending a full season in Triple-A that ended with a 31-game stint in Atlanta. The Panama native has one of the best arms in the Minor Leagues, with little left to prove. He threw out 36% of basestealers in Triple-A, which bodes well for his strong arm to translate to the big leagues. At 6 foot 2, he has longer limbs than the average catcher, which can affect his receivability a little bit. As Triple-A manager Brian Snitker noes, its tougher for longer-limbed catchers to consistently get in a good receiving position. Working on his mechanics will be something that he has to continue to fine tune. Bethancourts game calling really improved in 2014, thanks to the chance to take advantage of video scouting at Triple-A Gwinnett. This will be something that the 23-year old will have more opportunity to use in the Majors, so we could see a lot of improvement over his first full season in Atlanta.

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3. Justin O’Connor, Rays

O’Connor is probably the most raw catcher on this list, but also has the potential to be an elite defender. He has an extremely strong arm, throwing out nearly 50% of basestealers at Advanced-A Charlotte last season. His manager at Charlotte, Jared Sandberg, gives his arm an 80-grade and compares it to Josh Hamiltons. The 22-year old has a very quick pop time as well, clocking between 1.7-1.8 seconds regularly. Like many other Rays catchers over the last few years, pitch framing has been stressed to O’Connor, which has developed his receivability as well. Still very raw, the 2010 first rounder will look to refine his game in 2015, focusing on pitch calling and leading pitching staffs. After a late-season call up in 2014, he is likely to spend the bulk of 2015 in Double-A. His ability to advance through the system will mostly depend on his bat, but the 6 foot, 190 pounder is sure to excel defensively once he reaches the Majors.

2. Austin Hedges, Padres

Hedges was an easy choice for the top defensive catcher in the Minors last season, but I think he is the runner up this season, through no fault of his own. He is definitely the most polished catcher in the Minor Leagues, mixing a very strong arm with elite receivability skills. His game has been influenced by former Padres catching coordinator Brad Ausmus, which has helped him develop over the last few seasons. Last season at Double-A San Antonio, the 22-year old prioritized developing rapport with the pitching staff, which will help him in the future in San Diego. The 6 foot 1, 190 pounder really worked on the little things last year, like studying scouting reports of opposing hitters. Defensively, Hedges has very little left to prove in the Minors, but his unspectacular offensive numbers will likely keep him in the high Minors for another season. A late season call-up (like the Braves did with Bethancourt) would be beneficial for the 2011 second rounder, with the chance to be the Opening Day catcher in San Diego in 2016.

1. Blake Swihart, Red Sox

Swihart has vaulted himself to the top of this list after an outstanding 2014 season. Not playing above Advanced-A ball through the 2013 season, he debuted 2014 in Double-A and ended the year in Triple-A. His strong arm has progressed steadily over the last three seasons, going from throwing out 31% of basestealers in 2012, to 42% in 2013, to a whopping 46% in 2014. What makes this caught stealing percentage even more impressive is that he was able to improve while advancing to the upper Minors. The 22-year old was drafted ahead of Hedges in the 2011 draft, being selected 26th overall. It wasn’t until this season that he was able to come close to the defensive skills of the Padres prospect, and his offense is far more advanced. He is far less polished than Hedges when it comes to receivability and pitch selection. Another year in the Minors will undoubtedly lead to improvement in these areas. Triple-A manager Kevin Boles raved about the 6 foot 1, 175 pounder’s leadership and energy upon his call-up. He was able to develop a rapport with the pitching staff early on, and he seems like a guy that will be able to develop into a team leader in Boston in the near future, like Jason Varitek was through the 2000’s. A start to 2015 in Triple-A is probably in the cards for Swihart, with a possible mid-season promotion. His bat could help him reach the Majors sooner than later, but it’s his defense that will make him a perennial All-Star at the position.

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