MLB Catching Prospects: Names to Know

Jul 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron Gallagher, Kansas City Royals

Who Is He?

Gallagher was a 2nd round draft pick in 2011 out of high school in Pennsylvania. From the get-go, his defensive skills were lauded, but his bat has trailed behind.

While the bat hasn’t really taken a leap forward, Gallagher has been getting promotions, and his low strikeout profile has remained consistent as he’s moved up the system, now playing in AA. At 6’3 and 230 pounds, he presents a big, strong frame for his pitchers to throw to, and obviously that leads in with his framing.

Right now in the BP list, he trails only Houston’s Jason Castro in all of the majors and minors in Framing Runs, so his framing is exceptional. I would wager that Gallagher won’t ever be the two-way player that was dreamed on when he was drafted, but I bet he’ll work his way to the majors and stick around a while as a solid backup and even a “caddy” for an ace pitcher possibly.

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Next: King of the Non-Strikeout