INSIDE THE 2023 RANKINGS: CATCHERS
May 4, 2021
Catching is a commodity and the 2023 California catcher rankings are providing it with seven of the top ten catchers already committed to Big-West, Pac-12 and SEC schools. Talent at the catching position seems to get deeper and stronger annually with 2023 being no exception. Today we focus on the top ten catchers in California that lead a deep class of catching. We are excited to continue following the prep careers of the catchers we have already seen, and look forward to seeing new players make jumps into future rankings.
Left-handed hitting catchers lead the way with Brady Reynolds and Ralphy Velazquez physicality behind the dish and power at the plate highlighting their skillsets. Early offensive success, mature feel for catching and overall physical build made early commitments to Stanford and Arizona State logical. Nate Franco shined at the 2020 PBR - CA 2020 State Games with his balanced overall skill set and switch-hitting abilities helping earn his commitment to current #1 ranked Arkansas. Tejada, Hettiger and Prather make up the uncommits listed in the top 10 with each of them showcasing division 1 potential with the bat and glove. There is lots to like with the catching class with many of these names sure to be linked to 2023 ProCase, Scout Ball and the Area Code Games.
TOP 10 2023 CATCHERS
Rank | Player | School | Position | Commitment |
1 | Brady Reynolds | Liberty | C | Stanford |
2 | Ralphy Velazquez | Huntington Beach | C | Arizona State |
3 | Ryder Helfrick | Clayton Valley Charter | C | California |
4 | Nate Franco | Oaks Christian | C | Arkansas |
5 | Luke Lavin | Santa Margarita Catholic | C | Stanford |
6 | Zachary Justice | Bishop Odowd | C | Oregon |
7 | Richard Tejada III | Orange Lutheran | C | |
8 | Eric Aguayo | Martin Luther King | C | UC Santa Barbara |
9 | Kehden Hettiger | Sierra Canyon | C | |
10 | Hideki Prather | Campolindo | C |
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