Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2021 Catchers


Ted Williams
Ground Forces

With our latest rankings release for the 2021 class we decided to dive in deeper with a breakdown of the top 10 in each position. Today we continue with catchers, SIX of whom are currently uncommitted.

Take a look at the top 10 middle infielders in the '21 class - CLICK HERE.

Take a look at the top 10 corner infielders in the '21 class - CLICK HERE.

Take a look at the top 10 left-handed pitchers in the '21 class - CLICK HERE.

Take a look at the top 10 right-handed pitchers in the '21 class  - CLICK HERE.

Disclaimer: Players listed below are ranked in order of their PRIMARY listed position on the website that they have chosen. A dual player that is also strong at their secondary position may carry more weight in their overall ranking.

Class of 2021 Rankings Release

TOP 10 CATCHERS / CLASS OF 2021 

Evin Sullivan C / North Penn, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-2, 175-pound catcher utilizes a lean frame with next level athleticism raising eyebrows in all facets of the game. At the plate, the right-handed hitter has shown present pop to all fields with a 91 mph bat-exit velocity yielding natural carry to both gaps. A true leader behind the plate, Sullivan can shut down the run game with 1.90-1.98 pop times and an 80 mph arm-strength from the crouch showing off advanced quickness in the hands coupled with impressive straight-line footwork. The only knock on Sullivan was the occasional inconsistency of blocking technique which he seems to have shored up with soft walls and quality angles on both sides of the plate. Runs well (6.96 60-yard dash) demonstrating the overall feel he possesses for his body. 

First Glimpse: 6/21/18 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games - 2.02 pop time, 76 mph arm-strength from the crouch. 

Breakout Performance: 7/31/19 PBR Future Games - 1.90 pop time, 80 mph arm-strength from crouch, 91 mph bat-exit velocity, 6.96 60-yard dash. Recorded two hits for Team PA in three games while throwing out one attempted base stealer.  

The Future: The Binghamton recruit possesses a high baseball IQ to go along with athleticism and projectability in the frame. That combination usually leads to playing time early in the career, and that should be the same expectation for Sullivan. A high ceiling prospect who continues to develop more physicality each time we see him, the impressive backstop could eventually become a middle of the order run producer as well.


Justin Butler C / Quakertown Community , PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-1, 195-pound backstop features a solid blend of athleticism and physicality in the frame giving him advanced barrel whip at the plate allowing for an impressive 93 mph bat-exit velocity. Uses noticeable weight shift to generate pull-side pop and has shown a quality approach at the plate in game action with a knack for staying behind the ball extremely well. Pop times range from 1.97-2.03 recording accurate 80 mph arm-strength from the crouch and has shown advanced blocking & receiving abilities. Runs well for his size (7.06 60-yard dash) and should project as a middle of the order run producer at the next level. 

First Glimpse: 2/11/19 PA Shockers Scout Day - 2.03 pop time, 77 mph arm-strength from the crouch, 88 mph bat-exit velocity

Breakout Performance: 2/27/20 Preseason All-State Southeast - 90 mph bat-exit velocity, 1.98 pop time.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Butler possesses a similar skillset to Evin Sullivan with slightly more physicality and power projection. With advanced receiving and blocking ability, it would be wise to look in this direction if there is a need for an early contributor to lead the pitching staff. An extremely hard worker who has kept improving each time we’ve seen him, the Quakertown product will have a herd of schools hot on his trail entering a busy summer and could very well explode.


Luke Lambert C / 2B / West Allegheny, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The primary catcher features a compact 5-foot-9, 180-pound frame with present physicality and athleticism in his actions while showing off excellent feel for his body in all facets of the game. Defensively, Lambert moves extremely well laterally blocking anything in range with soft walls on both sides of the plate and downward chest angles. Sub-2.0 pop times and advanced quickness in the transfer halt the running game with ability to steal occasional strike calls. The right-handed hitter has generated bat-exit velocities north of 90 mph and has natural loft in the swing yielding present pop to the deep pull-side gap to go along with a seasoned approach at the plate. 

First Glimpse: 1/6/18 Beaver Valley Scout Day - 2.00-2.03 pop times, 87 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2019 Northern Ohio Limited Series, top performer. 

The Future: The Ohio commit is advanced in his craft and should have the ability to compete for starting time upon stepping on campus. There is a lot to like on both sides of the ball with slightly more projection coming on the offensive side. With a frame that is nearing its ceiling, the RHH will have to continue showing refinement in the swing in order to earn a spot in a run producing role for the Bobcats. A solid defender, Lambert has the makings of a trustworthy backstop that can command a pitching staff while demonstrating the ability to limit free-90’s. 

Asa Wilson C / OF / Exeter Township, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: A significant riser up the rankings throughout the past two years, Wilson features an uber athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame with present physicality in his actions. The right-handed hitter shows off easy bat speed recording a 92 mph bat-exit velocity while finding the barrel consistently in game action. Showcases natural pull-side lift in the swing with ability to use all fields and get his swing off in any count. The backstop has leadership intangibles with advanced receiving skills while consistently working hard for his pitchers behind the plate. Pop times have been down to 1.98 with an accurate 78 mph arm-strength from the crouch. If that’s not enough, the athletic catcher has been clocked at an impressive 6.80 in the 60-yard dash. 

First Glimpse: 1/04/18 PBR Measurable & Evaluation Showcase - 73 mph bat-exit velocity, 2.22 pop time, 69 mph arm-strength from the crouch, 7.46 60-yard dash.

Breakout Performance: 2/15/20 Preseason All-State Southeast - 92 mph bat-exit velocity, 1.98 pop time, 78 mph arm-strength from the crouch, 6.80 60-yard dash, top performer. 

The Future: The University of Pennsylvania commit has been nothing short of impressive in his climb up the class of ‘21 rankings. A tireless worker, Wilson should continue to reap the rewards of his hard work as he continues refining his skillset before stepping onto a college campus. The backstop has a quality history of leading talented pitching staffs and has shown consistent in-game success with extra base prowess. In a 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, the backstop could reasonably add 10-15 pounds suggesting an even higher ceiling down the road. 

Hunter Klotz C / 1B / Central (Martinsburg), PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-2, 200-pound catcher is a gap to gap power threat with a sweet and athletic left-handed swing which caused scouts to be heavy on his trail throughout the recruiting process. Generates easy hand speed through the zone, running into barrels consistently in games we’ve scouted while showing advanced pull-side pop. The backstop is a quiet receiver with quick transfers allowing for pop times hovering around 2.0. Features above average feet behind the dish and has the intelligence to command a pitching staff at the next level. The bat projects extremely well and should offer him plenty of opportunities to enter the lineup early into his collegiate career.

First Glimpse: 6/13/18 Western PA Top Prospect Games - 84 mph bat-exit velocity, 2.14 pop time, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 PA/NY/NJ Procase - 89 mph bat-exit velocity, 2.02 pop time, one of the top rounds of batting practice.

The Future: The Kent State commit has shown all the signs of being a future impact bat at the next level with the ability to get even better. Some extra power should be on the way as he matures to pair with an already advanced approach for his age. Defensively, Klotz is well-rounded in two of the most important areas for young catchers; he can receive the ball with minimal glove hand movement at the catch point and moves very well laterally during blocks creating soft walls on either side of the plate. With all the boxes checked, the Central-Martinsburg product looks primed to explode once baseball activities resume.


Zack Luksic C / 1B / Dallas Area, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-2, 190-pound catcher is extremely physical and showcases above-average, raw power in a fluid right-handed swing. Hands work well through the ball with a gap to gap approach at the plate yielding a 90 mph bat-exit velocity. Demonstrates quality bat to ball skills and more power should be on the way evidenced by the easiness in the swing and ability to reasonably add 10-15 pounds onto the frame. The primary backstop is a solid receiver and moves athletically behind the dish on both sides of the plate while blocking. Pop times have been down as low as 1.97 and he has recorded a 6.83 60-yard dash showing off the athleticism he possesses in that frame. 

First Glimpse: 4/08/19 Dallas Area vs. Berwick - Hit a big three-run triple helping Dallas win 5-1. 

Breakout Performance: 2/09/20 Baseball U Scout Day - 6.83 60-yard dash, 4.01 home-to-first, 1.97 pop time, 90 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Luksic is well seasoned in all facets of the game with potential to be a middle of the order run producer at the next level. There is natural power in the swing with little effort which points to a high ceiling and high power potential. Defensively, he looks like he is ready for the next level with advanced blocking ability and an accurate 77 mph arm-strength from the crouch. Add onto that quality feel around the bag at first base and you have multiple ways to get that bat onto the field. Watch for this athletic and physical catcher to be a close follow throughout the summer with a chance to blow up.


Jacob Horton C / Souderton Area , PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-11, 205-pound backstop is incredibly physical with noticeable pull-side pop and barrel whip into the hitting zone. The right-handed hitter uses advanced strength in the lower half to create violent hip rotation yielding an impressive 89 mph bat-exit velocity with natural loft. Defensively, Horton’s pop times hover around 2.0 on accurate throws of 75 mph from the crouch with smooth straight line footwork. The right-handed pitcher can then step up on the mound and run it up to 86 mph with a legit three pitch mix suggesting two-way prospect potential at the next level. 

First Glimpse: 4/23/19 Souderton vs. North Penn - Was a key cog in the lineup with two hits and one RBI in a 2-0 victory. 

Breakout Performance: 2/27/20 Preseason All-State Northeast - 86 mph FB velocity, 2.0 pop time, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, there should be a list of schools on his trail heading into the heat of summer. The body looks ready for the next level now and strong wrists at the plate coupled with a solid approach has all the makings of an impact bat down the line. The catcher has shown solid receiving skills with lateral quickness on blocks which should make coaches feel comfortable he can lead a pitching staff. With an advanced repertoire on the mound featuring quality pitchability and an 86 mph fastball, Horton would be a solid get for any program.


Josh Zambito C / 1B / Penn Hills, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: An uber-physical, 6-foot-4, 240-pound mauler at the plate, Zambito is no stranger to the weight room. A threat to do damage each time up with a quality approach at the plate and bat exit velocities nearing 100 mph, the right-handed hitter makes for a can’t miss middle of the order bat at the next level. Likes facing velocity, as the RHH crushes fastballs early in counts while adjusting to offspeed with noticeable strength in the lower half. Moves athletically for his size behind the dish with above average lateral quickness and pop times as low as 1.95 on accurate throws of 79 mph from the crouch. Demonstrated fluidity and comfortability around the bag at first as well, giving multiple options to get that bat onto the field.  

First Glimpse: 1/05/18 PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase - 84 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Pittsburgh Outlaws Scout Day - 99 mph bat-exit velocity, 1.95 pop time, 79 mph arm-strength from the crouch, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Zambito took a meteoric rise up our rankings with an overall impressive day at the Pittsburgh Outlaws Scout Day in early March. One of the harder workers off the field, it would be no shock to see him improve even more behind the dish as he continues refining his game. An instant jolt of offense to any lineup, the physical catcher should command a large following entering the summer.


Cameron Colwell C / SS / Seton-La Salle Catholic, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-10, 180-pound primary catcher showcases some physicality in the actions in an extremely athletic frame. The right-handed hitter utilizes a short, easy stroke through the hitting zone creating natural backspin to the pull-side gap while recording an 86 mph bat-exit velocity. Demonstrates advanced barrel awareness and can adjust to pitches down in the zone with athleticism in the lower half. With ability to add 10 pounds or so onto the frame, there should be even more power expected in the near future. Showed off quality blocking and receiving skills with pop times in the low 2.0’s hovering around 1.97. Can also play middle infield with a solid throwing arm (80 mph) and quick first step creating advantageous hops with regularity during routes. 

First Glimpse: 6/14/18 Western PA Top Prospect Games - 86 mph bat-exit velocity, 2.07 pop time, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 Preseason All-State Southwest - 6.96 60-yard dash, 1.97 pop time, 86 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Colwell is intriguing in that he is uber athletic and can impact the game in a variety of ways. Offensively, the RHH works gap to gap and could be a table setter at the next level that can give you solid all-around defense behind the plate. If that’s not enough, the primary catcher is a good runner (6.96) with ability to steal bases on quality jumps. Overall, Colwell will command a close look this summer in the ‘21 class and should be expected to continue improving across the board.


Joey Pilewski C / RHP / Central Catholic, PA / 2021


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-10, 190-pound backstop is an advanced defender showing off a quiet glove hand while receiving and can block pitches on either side of the plate with smooth lateral quickness. Couple that with a pop times that get down in the 1.97 range and 77 mph arm-strength from the crouch and you can shut the running game down while limiting free-90’s. The right-handed hitter can swing it as well, recording a 92 mph bat-exit velocity with significant backspin to all fields. The strength in the lower half is real yielding above average hip-shoulder rotation at the plate with present pull-side pop. 

First Glimpse: 2/23/20 Preseason All-State Southwest - 2.05 pop time, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 1.96 pop time, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Pilewski offers one of the better defensive options in this class and can lead a pitching staff from day one. The bat has the ability to be a quality option, but the glove is currently more next level ready. With more refinement offensively, the Central Catholic product will command legitimate interest entering the summer and should expect to see his needle continue to point north heading into his senior campaign.

COMING THIS SUMMER

Trackman Partnership
Blast Motion Partnership
Driveline Partnership
Vizual Edge Partnership


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