San Diego, California – MLB Pipeline is set to unveil its highly-anticipated 2024 Top 100 Prospects list, showcasing the brightest young talent in Major League Baseball. Scheduled for release on Friday, January 26, baseball enthusiasts can catch the one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. As anticipation builds, fans can get a taste of the excitement by delving into the top 10 prospects at each position. In this segment, we turn our attention to the catchers.
Over the past two years, the catchers topping the lists have gone on to become overall best prospects in baseball. Adley Rutschman in 2022 and Francisco Álvarez in 2023 carved their names in the history books. Now, Ethan Salas is primed to follow in their footsteps. The young talent, recently signed by the San Diego Padres for a staggering $5.6 million, was an undeniable standout in the 2023 international class.
Despite being a mere 17 years old, Salas soared to the fifth spot on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list after an impressive debut season in professional baseball. Achieving such recognition at a tender age speaks volumes about Salas’ immense potential. However, fans will have to wait until at least 2025 to witness his major league debut, as is the case with most catchers on the top 10 list. The exception to this rule is Jeferson Quero, an exceptional talent in Milwaukee’s system. Known for his defensive prowess, Quero could make his presence felt at American Family Field after a stint in Triple-A.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 catching prospects for 2024:
1. Ethan Salas, Padres (2025)
2. Samuel Basallo, Orioles (2025)
3. Jeferson Quero, Brewers (2024)
4. Harry Ford, Mariners (2025)
5. Kyle Teel, Red Sox (2025)
6. Dalton Rushing, Dodgers (2025)
7. Blake Mitchell, Royals (2027)
8. Moises Ballesteros, Cubs (2026)
9. Edgar Quero, White Sox (2025)
10. Diego Cartaya, Dodgers (2025)
Looking ahead, many exciting prospects from different positions will be announced, leading up to the unveiling of the highly-anticipated Top 100 Prospects list on January 26. The catching position is just the tip of the iceberg.
Taking a closer look at the standout prospects, Samuel Basallo showcased his prowess with an exceptional performance during his full-season debut at the age of 18. With a batting average of .313 and an impressive 162 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus), Basallo demonstrated both his command of the strike zone and his ability to make solid contact with the ball.
Both Ethan Salas and Samuel Basallo possess the power potential to become 30-home run threats in the future. With their quick left-handed swings and impressive frames, these two catchers have a promising future ahead.
Surprisingly, Harry Ford brings exceptional speed to the catching position, an attribute rarely associated with players in his role. In over 240 professional games, he has already swiped an impressive 50 bases, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic athlete.
Meanwhile, Blake Mitchell possesses an arm strength that has caught the attention of major league teams, particularly in a climate where stealing bases is on the rise.
When it comes to defense, Jeferson Quero stands out. His skills behind the plate have earned him a Minor League Gold Glove, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he achieved it at just 21 years old.
Among the top catching prospects, Ethan Salas has been identified as having the highest potential. Not only did he hold his own during his debut season in Double-A, but he also possesses exceptional tools that make him an invaluable asset, according to analysts. The youngest and most talented player in the league, Salas has an incredibly bright future.
On the other hand, Jeferson Quero boasts the highest floor among the top prospects. Thanks to his exceptional defensive abilities, he is almost guaranteed a long career in the major leagues. Additionally, his solid offensive production further cements his status as a reliable player.
While Jeferson Quero is the only catcher projected to debut in the majors in 2024, his defensive skills are likely to overshadow his offensive contributions, making him an unlikely contender for Rookie of the Year honors.
Samuel Basallo, on the other hand, has experienced a remarkable rise over the past year. Initially ranked 12th in the Orioles system, Basallo displayed significant offensive potential during the 2023 season and is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming Top 100 Prospects list.
As with any list of prospects, there are players who face challenges. Diego Cartaya, who was once touted as the next great catching prospect, struggled during his stint in Double-A. With his bat failing to deliver, Cartaya has much to prove going forward.
Lastly, Austin Wells, a promising player in the Yankees organization, has caught the eye of many. As he shares catching duties with Jose Trevino, Wells brings a well-rounded offensive game, though concerns about his receiving and throwing abilities persist.
As the countdown to the Top 100 Prospects list continues, fans eagerly await the unveiling of the most promising young talent in baseball. The catching prospects have set the tone, and the buzz surrounding their potential is just the tip of the iceberg.