Top MLB Catching Prospects 2023

Even after the “graduation” of several prospects who saw action last year in the majors, the 2023 catching pool of prospects is loaded with talent.

The top two on the 2022 list, Adley Rutschman and Gabriel Moreno, are no longer considered prospects. Others who were a little lower in the ranking from last year — Joey Bart, Luis Campusano, MJ Melendez and Shea Langeliers — also lost the prospect tag. But the list that we present has the presence of several interesting names.

Sure, it all starts with the best prospect in the game, Venezuelan Mets Francisco Álvarez, but the roster features a good mix of first-round International Draft picks (four), “late” picks, and names both hot and cold. unknown at the time of signing in the international market.

The Top 10 (estimated time of arrival in MLB)

1. Francisco Alvarez, Mets (2023)
2. Diego Cartaya, Dodgers (2024)
3. Kevin Parada, Mets (2025)
4. Harry Ford, Mariners (2025)
5. Logan O’Hoppe, Angels (2023)
6. Endy Rodriguez, Pirates (2023)
7. Henry Davis, Pirates (2024)
8. Bo Naylor, Guardians (2023)
9. Drew Romo, Rockies (2024)
10. Edgar Quero, Angels (2025)

Hit: Parry (60)
Parada was the first receiver selected in the 2022 Amateur Draft (No. 11 overall by the Mets). Parada exhibits a simple style on the plate, with a tendency to be potted. He hit .361 with a .453 OBP his senior year in college.

Power: Alvarez (70)
There may not be a more powerful prospect out there right now than Álvarez. He has strength both natural and used in games. He hit 24 home runs as a teenager in 2021 in Class-A, then hit 27 more with 20 at various levels last season. With his whiplash swing and bat speed, the Venezuelan has the ability to hit many home runs in the majors.

Speed: Ford (60)
Ford, who was the Mariners’ first pick in the 2021 Amateur Draft, “runs well to catch.” He has above-average speed on the bases — he stole 23 bases in his first full season — and is athletic enough to defend second base or even center field, if necessary.

Arm: Davis (70)
Although he continues to improve some aspects of his defense, Ford has left no doubts with his arm; perhaps the strongest among all position prospects. Also, he moves his feet well and the transfer from him is very fast. He also has a great aim.

Defense: Blunt (60)
Romo also offers a powerful arm, which he combines with solid defensive attributes. He is athletic and agile behind the plate. Also, he has good hands and great blocking skills. Rockies pitchers enjoy pitching to him.

Highest ceiling: Alvarez
Also Venezuelan Cartaya also has arguments to be here, but if Álvarez is capable of playing an average defense, his offensive projection could take him to a stellar level.

Highest floor: O’Hoppe
While none of his tools stands out above the rest, O’Hoppe has everything it takes, including a great work ethic, to be seen as a big league catcher for a long time.

Rookie of the Year candidate: Alvarez
Assuming he gets a lot of at-bats in New York, it’s easy to assume the Venezuelan can draw a lot of attention from award voters.

Rapid rise: I want
The switch-hitting Cuban wasn’t even in the Angels’ top 30 prospects at the end of the 2021 season, but has since made a splash after a solid 2022 season in which he posted a .965 OPS.

Humble Beginnings: Rodriguez
The Dominican signed for just $10,000 with the Mets in July 2018 and is now knocking on the door to the Majors, after an impressive 2022 in which he reached the Triple-A level, in what was his second season with the Pirates. where he went in the three-team trade that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres.

More to prove: Davis
There’s always pressure on the No. 1 pick in the Amateur Draft, but Davis showed his offensive potential in his first full season in 2022. However, he was able to play just 59 games due to wrist issues. A complete health campaign should answer many questions.

The Dominican briefly reached the majors in 2022, but is coming off a solid offensive season in the minors (.306/.356/.542 with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs between Double-A and Triple-A). That’s nothing new, though, considering he’s done nothing but hit his entire career, hitting .321/.358/.510 lifetime.