Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Potential Catchers In The Draft

OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 29: CJ Rodriguez #5 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rounds the bases after hitting a second inning solo home run against the Mississippi St. Bulldogs during game two of the College World Series Championship at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on June 28, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 29: CJ Rodriguez #5 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rounds the bases after hitting a second inning solo home run against the Mississippi St. Bulldogs during game two of the College World Series Championship at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on June 28, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Pittsburgh Pirates
May 1, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington talks on the field before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Ian Moller

Ian Moller is one of the top high school-catching prospects in the draft. The 18-year-old already stands with a 6-foot, 190-pound frame. Moller has plus power potential. Moller is projected to be a regular 20-home run hitter. He has well-above-average bat speed and raw strength to reach that mark.

There are some questions about his ability to make consistent contact. He has a 45-hit grade on Pipeline and will get a little too swing-happy. He struggled in the showcase circuit and got off to a slow start during Spring. But he’s considered an average defender with an above-average arm behind the dish. Though he has gotten a bit inconsistent with his glovework.

Despite his struggles, Moller still has a decent amount of upside. After all, MLB Pipeline saw him as the best prep catcher going into 2021. Currently, Pipeline has him as the 124th best prospect available. Though if he can provide plus power and overall average defense behind the dish, the Pirates should consider him with their #132nd pick if he is still available.