Teams hoping for help behind the plate a few years down the road might look to the Pacific Northwest, where catcher Reese McGuire is finishing up at Kentwood (Wash.) High School. The state Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year hit .417 in his senior season with a slugging percentage of .778. More importantly, he’s shown promise behind the plate, where ESPN calls him the best-throwing catcher in the entire draft. McGuire couples an impressive pop time with accuracy on his throws and can also block tough pitches in the dirt. SB Nation’s Minor League Ball blog even says McGuire’s defense alone is reason to draft him early on, though his lefty bat could also make him a significant home run threat in time.
MLB Draft 2013 scouting report roundup: C Reese McGuire
Arguably the best catching prospect in the draft, McGuire is a lefty hitter who can play his position well for his age.
Chung Sung-Jun
Right now, it’s probably not a matter of if McGuire gets picked in the first round, but when. If he chooses to go to college instead, he has committed to the University of San Diego.
Vital statistics
| Reese McGuire | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | High School / College | Consensus Rank |
| C | Kentwood (Wash.) | 1st round |
| B/T | Birthdate (age) | Height / Weight |
| L/R | 3/2/1995 (18) | 6'1" / 190 |
What they’re saying
- Matt Garrioch, MinorLeagueBall.com: “His swing would get him taken at the top of the draft no matter his position. He keeps his hands high and drives through the zone with a lightning quick bat. He is short and compact to the ball and generates a lot of power potential.”
- Keith Law, ESPN: “The best-throwing catcher in this draft class, McGuire has improved his receiving but still faces questions about his hit and power tools.”
- Dave Perkin, Sports Illustrated: “McGuire is the draft’s foremost ‘foundational’ player because he has exceptional above-average catch-and-throw skills and is a good athlete with a chance to be an above-average hitter.”
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