Brayden Jaksa, Taitn Gray likely top two prep catchers to be selected.
The Major League Baseball Draft will be held July 13 during All-Star week in Atlanta, Ga. Leading up to the first round, MaxPreps will look at the top high school players available according to the following schedule:
July 7: Catchers
July 8: Outfielders
July 11: Corner infielders
July 12: Middle infielders
July 13: Pitchers
The selections at each position are based on the
top 250 prospects identified by Major League Baseball.
No high school catcher is expected to go in the first two rounds and the drought may stretch into the second day of the draft. Jaksa could be the first prep taken at the position. Known more for his hitting ability and his power, Jaksa batted .433 as a senior with four home runs. At 6-foot-5, Jaksa's known less for his fielding ability and his arm, thus leading to the speculation that he may end up in the outfield according to MLB.com. Could be chosen somewhere in the third round.
Taitn Gray, Dallas Center-Grimes (Dallas Center, Iowa)The only Iowa high school player among the top 250, Gray is still playing during Iowa's summer season. He is among the state leaders in home runs with 11 while batting .477. Like Jaksa, Gray is prized more for his hitting ability. A switch hitter, he has power on both sides of the plate. Also like Jaksa, Gray may not stay at catcher due to his fielding ability and arm. Could go in the second round, but likely slides to the third.
Trent Grindlinger, Huntington Beach (Calif.)The top high school catcher based on defensive ability, Grindlinger has one of the top arms in the prep ranks and is nearly as good as a fielder, according to his draft grades on MLB.com. He showed improved power as a senior, hitting six home runs after hitting none as a junior. He also has the ability to find a way to get on base after leading the Oilers in on-base percentage at .525. Could be selected at end of third round or early in the fourth.
Omar Serna, Lutheran South Academy (Houston, Texas)MLB.com ranks Serna as the fourth-best prep catcher available, but don't expect to see Serna's name called during the two-day draft. The LSU commit has withdrawn his name, thus making certain his decision to play for the Tigers. Serna ranks high among prep catchers for his strong arm and power at the plate. He had eight home runs and 15 doubles as a senior.
Ty Harvey, Inspiration Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)Like most of the high school catchers available, Harvey is rated highly for his power hitting, but not necessarily for his fielding ability. Harvey batted .571 as a senior with seven home runs. Although his fielding ability and arm are not rated as high as his power hitting, Harvey is expected to stay at catcher at the next level. A likely fifth-round selection.
