Braves Backfields Preview: Catching
Today marks the beginning of the Backfields Preview series in which each position gets an overview heading into the 2021 minor league season. Not much has changed between offseason reports and this series, so much of the information is the same until players get back on minor league fields in May. Consider this a primer before rosters are announced.
Perhaps the most notable change among all prospects since last year’s preview series is the continued development of William Contreras. He was my positional leader entering 2020 based on natural athleticism and the framework to become a solid catcher with time. He came into last year’s summer camp with a revamped swing that allows for a more efficient bat path and better feeds his raw power. Combine that with continued development behind the plate and Contreras has only solidified his spot as the top catching prospect in the organization.
One of the most popular Braves prospect topics is Contreras vs. Shea Langeliers. Who may start long term usually solves itself over time, but both project as everyday major league catchers. I have Langeliers as a half-grade below Contreras because of a slightly less impactful bat, but Langeliers’ defense will get him to the majors in a usable role.
Alex Jackson remains a prospect and is graded as a backup, which seems like the clear role for him going forward. The hit tool may never reach 40 potential based on swing-and-miss, which could leave him as more of an up/down guy or second-division bench catcher. His defense, however, has come along so well that he has legitimate major league value as a glove-first backup.
Graded:
William Contreras – 55
I’m the high guy on Contreras and will be one of the few who place him ahead of Langeliers, but I’ve been sold on the high ceiling and potential all-around impact of his game since a Rome look in 2018. After struggling to adjust to higher levels in 2019, he made huge strides last year by making mechanical changes at the plate and applying them in-game with immediate success.
Here is my post on Contreras’s changes and why I’ve had him as my top Braves catching prospect for a while now.
Contreras is ahead of Langeliers on the system ladder and should get first crack at the starting job assuming it opens next season. If he produces, it will be hard to take him out of that role once Langeliers is ready. For now, Contreras will get regular reps at the alternate site (which was the correct move for his development) and likely play every day at Gwinnett with the acknowledgement that he could get called up at any point.
Shea Langeliers – 50
Langeliers has a major league glove as at least a 55 defender with an arm that borders on 70. The floor is high as a glove-first backstop. His ultimate role will be determined by how much the bat progresses.
He came out of the draft showing a good, balanced approach with a quick stroke for his size and contact stick. He has raw power, but the approach and bat path are geared for the gaps. He just has to prove he can handle his own enough to stay in the lineup every day against advanced pitching. That test could come as soon as this year if he makes it to Mississippi.
Alex Jackson – 40
Jackson is pretty clearly a 40-grade backup catcher at this point. The only deviation could be if he doesn’t hit enough and becomes depth. He’s getting his chance right now as a more traditional backup in Atlanta. He did a good job making more contact and showing more comfort in spring training, and if that carries over into the regular season, he could solidify himself as a true backup for the org going forward. If not, he may find himself as depth at Gwinnett or be given a chance elsewhere.
System Depth:
Logan Brown – The prototypical org catcher. Brown has a major league glove and a strong, quick arm, so he’s likely to carve out a pro career in the upper levels and make his annual spring training appearances. He actually has a decent contact bat with a short, quick stroke, but the bat is light. He could be the second catcher to Langeliers at Rome or Mississippi.
Jonathan Morales – A Gwinnett and spring camp regular at this point. Steady defensively and a decent bat.
Antonio Barranca – Post-draft sign in 2020. Bat-first prep guy with pop. He will likely be at the spring complex and could earn a trip to Augusta.
Ricardo Rodriguez – Light bat but should hang around as a pro because of defense. He could be the second catcher to Langeliers at Rome or Mississippi.
Carlos Martinez – Another upper-level regular alongside Morales because of the glove and familiarity.
Victor De Hoyos – Same as Rodriguez and Martinez. They will both probably bounce around to fill needs.
Positional Details:
40-Man: Contreras, Jackson
Non-Roster Invitees: Langeliers, Brown, Morales
2021 ETA: None
Contreras was forced into an early 2020 debut and played well. Langeliers won’t see the majors in 2021. Morales is depth and unlikely to see the majors.
Top Tool: Jackson’s 70 raw power
This hasn’t changed from last year. Jackson’s raw is ridiculous and produces tank shots. Langeliers has a borderline 70 arm and will probably take this title next season.
Breakout Candidate: Contreras
Contreras already somewhat broke out at Rome in 2018, but everything is in place for him to produce at a high level with regular playing time at Gwinnett. If that happens, he should be on track as the favorite to start in the majors in 2022.
2020 Top Transactions: Contreras made MLB debut.
2020 Top Performances: Contreras produced at a high level in summer camp and notched four hits in four MLB games, including an RBI double.