The Giants recently acquired two new additions to the upper levels of their catching depth chart: Jesus Rodriguez and Daniel Susac. As it currently stands they will compete this spring for the back up catcher role behind Patrick Bailey C. Let's compare them in a prospect smackdown.
Jesus Rodriguez C. DOB: 4/23/2002. B-R, T-R. 5' 10", 208 lbs. 40-man Roster, 2 Options.
2025(MiLB- 2 teams): .307/.393/.403, 7 HR, 21 SB, 11.7 BB%, 13.8 K%, 565 PA, 1.91 GB/FB.
This kid basically raked every level since the Yankees signed him as an international free agent in 2018. He's listed as a C/3B and has also played LF and DH. After acquiring him in a deadline trade for Camilo Doval, the Giants used him as C and DH and openly hope to develop him as a C. His MLB Pipeline scouting report says he struggles at times behind the plate and needs more reps. He moves "OK" and has solid arm strength and a quick release. Although the hit tool is a plus and he makes great contact, he swings at too many pitches out of the zone and hits the ball on the ground way too often to have usable power.
Daniel Susac C. DOB: 5/14/2001. B-R, T-R. 6' 4", 218 lbs. As a Rule 5 Draftee, must stay on Active Roster all season or be offered back to the A', so can't be optioned this season. Starting next season he has 3 Options.
2025(AAA, A's): .275/.349/.483, 18 HR, 7 SB, 8.6 BB%, 26.8 K%, 407 PA, 1.52 GB/FB.
Scouting reports say he made improvements on defense last season and is more advanced defensively than Rodriguez. He also has more usable power than JRod but is no paragon of plate discipline and has a much higher K rate. He also puts the ball on the ground more than ideal but not nearly as much as JRod.
Smackdown: Jesus Rodriguez seems to fit Buster Posey's vision for a higher contact approach from Giants hitters but may not be ready defensively to step into the reserve catcher role. Susac was probably helped a lot by the hitter friendly environment in Las Vegas and is likely to struggle with contact at the MLB level. He probably has the inside track to the back up catcher role if only because he can't be optioned to the minors. In the long run, JRod's batting issues are probably more fixable than Susac's and has a better chance of being on offensive contributor in some role.
Rodriguez will be useful if one of the catchers gets injured.
ReplyDeleteOperative: "needs more reps"
ReplyDeleteSusac was a fantastic addition. Low risk, high reward. Even if he doesn’t develop into a starter, having him for catcher depth for the next three or four seasons at his age with his potential as a former high first round pick is a huge plus. Acquiring Rodriguez was also a huge get for Posey. Those two guys should have our catcher position set for the foreseeable future and if they hit well enough there’s even a chance at starting over Bailey, assuming of course Bailey continues to be a black hole in the hitting department as one of the (if not THE) worst hitters in the league for a starting player.
ReplyDelete