2014 MLB Draft: Top 10 high school catchers

High school catchers could dominate the first three rounds of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft, which is set to get underway on June 5.

At least one high school catcher, Alex Jackson of Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), figures to go among the top five picks in the draft, but there are about five other prep catchers who could be gone by the end of the second day.

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MaxPreps takes a look at the top 10 catching prospects heading into the 2014 MLB Draft.


10. Drew Lugbauer, Arlington (LaGrangeville, N.Y.)
Lugbauer has been a heavy hitter this year for Arlington after earning league MVP honors as a junior. He is batting .424 (28-for-66) with 26 runs, 23 RBIs, eight doubles, a triple and eight home runs.

What the scouts say: Scouts like the pop in his bat. He has also shown the ability to play strong defense behind the plate.

Where he will go: Should go in the top 10 rounds.
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9. Benito Santiago, Coral Springs Christian (Coral Springs, Fla.) The son of the former Major League catcher of the same name, Santiago was an offensive leader for Coral Springs Christian, batting .412 (33-for-80) with 23 runs scored, 20 RBIs, five doubles and two triples.

What the scouts say: Scouts would like to see a little more consistency on defense behind the plate.

Where he will go: Likely go somewhere near rounds 8-10.
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8. Tim Susnara, St. Francis (Mountain View, Calif.) After two strong varsity seasons batting over .300, Susnara struggled a bit at the plate this year, batting .223 (21-for-94) with 11 RBIs, eight doubles and two triples.

What the scouts say: The disappointing offensive season notwithstanding, Susnara is seen as a prospect with a good swing that will serve him well at the next level. He also has all of the tools behind the plate, including a strong arm.

Where he will go: Somewhere between rounds 5-10.
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7. Evan Skoug, Libertyville (Ill.) Skoug has helped Libertyville (31-5) to one of the top records in Illinois. He is batting .384 (38-for-99) with 10 runs scored, 31 RBIs, nine doubles, four triples and four home runs.

What the scouts say: Scouts like his power from the left-hand side of the plate. He's not big, but he's solid.

Where he will go: Possibly round 4 or 5.
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6. Bryce Carter, Cascia Hall (Tulsa, Okla.)



Another three-sport athlete, Carter was very steady for Cascia Hall this year, batting .400 (40-for-100) with 28 runs scored, 30 RBIs, 11 doubles, three triples and four home runs.

What the scouts say: He doesn't have a lot of speed, but more than enough skill to stay at catcher for the time being. His nice swing allows him to hit to all fields.

Where he will go: Round 4 or 5.
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5. J.J. Schwarz, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.)



There are no high school stats available for Schwarz, but he did hit .429 for Team USA over the summer. He helped Palm Beach Gardens to a 21-8 record this year.

What the scouts say: He has one of the better combinations of power hitting and outstanding defense.

Where he will go: Another second or third round prospect.
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4. Chase Vallot, St. Thomas More (Lafayette, La.)





Vallot was big reason why St. Thomas More won the Class 4A state championship in Louisiana. He batted .545 (54-for-99) with 45 runs scored, 15 doubles and 13 home runs. He had 25 home runs in two varsity seasons.

What the scouts say: Scouts like Vallot's power, which has been on display for the past two years. Will need to work on his play behind the plate, which could mean a move to another position in the future.

Where he will go: Look for Vallot to go somewhere in the second or third round.
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3. Devon Fisher, Western Branch (Chesapeake, Va.)



Fisher helped Western Branch to one of the top records in the state of Virginia. He earned all-conference honors while batting .344 with 25 RBIs and four home runs.

What the scouts say: Fisher has some power and is athletically built. He also has the arm strength to play catcher at the next level.

Where he will go: Probably go somewhere during the second day, either second or third round.
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2. Jakson Reetz, Norris (Firth, Neb.)
The MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic, Reetz is a three-sport all-state pick in Nebraska. His best sport, however, is baseball and he batted .486 (36-for-74) with 37 runs, 37 RBIs, 13 doubles and eight home runs this year.

What the scouts say: He's a very good all-around athlete who can hit for power and to all parts of the field.

Where he will go: Could go end of the first round.
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1. Alex Jackson, Rancho Bernardo (San Diego)
Jackson is one of the top power hitters in the country over the past three seasons, tying the San Diego Section career home run record with 47. He has 11 home runs as a senior while batting .380 (35-for-92) with 42 runs scored, 26 RBIs, six doubles and three triples. He's also thrown out 14 potential base stealers.

What the scouts say: He's considered to have the best overall bat in the draft with middle of the order power and good bat speed. He may not stick at catcher as a result, but it looks like teams will start him out there.

Where he will go: A top five overall pick.