Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2022 Catchers

Quick Hits: The 5-foot-10, 175-pound backstop offers advanced defender projection, quality bat to ball skills, and some of the best athleticism amongst all catchers in the ‘22 class. The right-handed hitter is short to the ball, getting on plane early in the hitting zone allowing for above-average barrel awareness and repetitive in-game success. Utilizes the whole field with bat-exit velocities in the upper 80’s and a sound, gap to gap approach in the box. Behind the dish, Sauve’ might stand out the most with an extremely quiet receiving hand and impressive range & recovery skills while blocking. Pop times in the 2.05-2.10 range and 75 arm-strength from the crouch work well in-game with quick transfers and solid straight line footwork towards the target. With the ability to shut down the run game and create high level production offensively, the Cumberland Valley catcher slots in at #1 in the ‘22 catcher rankings and enters what should be a standout backend of the summer; which could see his stock climb even higher. 

First Glimpse: 4/04/18 Jr. Future Games Trials - 2.13-2.18 pop time, 69 mph from the crouch, 83 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 PA/NY/NJ Procase - 7.25 60-yard dash, 2.06-2.12 pop time, 75 mph from the crouch, 85 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: The West Virginia commit is a solid blend of what a collegiate catcher should look like and as the strength continues to build onto a current, physical and athletic frame, Sauve’ has the chance of exploding heading into what should be a closely followed Junior campaign. More power should be around the corner and with present bat to ball skills, the Cumberland Valley product could project as a middle of the order run creator at the next level. The defensive capabilities are obvious and should allow for expectations to contribute for quality playing time early in his collegiate career. 

Quick Hits: Suarez generates raw strength in a 5-foot-9, 182 pound, physical frame utilizing a powerful lower half in all facets of the game. The right-handed hitter demonstrates easy pull side juice with plenty of bat speed through the zone evidenced by a 93 mph bat-exit velocity. Creates repetitive backspin to all fields allowing for some home run potential at the next level. There's a present rhythm in the hands to go along with control in the leg hang, giving him some of the better barrel awareness in the class. It doesn’t hurt that Suarez has a track record of dominating quality pitching on the national scene with a knowledgeable approach creating considerable damage in the middle of the lineup. Defensively, he possesses polished receiving skills to go along with quick feet on pop times of 2.05-2.12. The backstop has an impressive 78 mph arm strength with carry from behind the dish and really puts the advanced strength on display. With ability to block with the best of them moving well laterally, the Freedom product offers one of the best total packages in the ‘22 rankings. 

First Glimpse: 10/27/18 Elite Prospect Showcase - 7.15 60-yard dash, 2.06-2.18 pop time, 74 mph from the crouch, 86 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

Breakout Performance: 10/26/19 Elite Prospect Showcase - 7.27 60-yard dash, 2.05-2.12 pop time, 78 mph from the crouch, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: The Ohio State commit has a lot to like in a frame that disperses physicality and athleticism throughout. With an all around advanced skill set for his age, Suarez should push for playing time early into his collegiate career and should be a very close follow once baseball activities resume in the state. The bat speed through the zone is incredibly easy which is extremely exciting seeing as how Suarez has one of the higher floors in the ‘22 class.

Quick Hits: The 6-foot, 190-pound backstop is extremely physical in the frame and gets a lot out of an advanced lower half creating loud pop to all fields at the plate. The right-handed hitter utilizes a simple load allowing for advanced bat to ball skills and present pull-side juice while recording bat-exit velocities of 92 mph. On top of that the Manheim Township product features  a quality approach in the box generating considerable damage in game action when he’s not being “pitched around.” The primary backstop shows well above average capabilities defensively with pop times in the 2.00-2.06 range on throws of 76 mph from the crouch. The frame displays proportional strength throughout and projects to continue developing accordingly, giving Flury both a high floor and high ceiling. 

First Glimpse: 3/02/19 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 7.32 60-yard dash, 2.12-2.22 pop time, 68 mph from the crouch, 86 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 7.46 60-yard dash, 2.00-2.06 pop time, 76 mph from the crouch, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Flury should be one of the top names to follow at the PA State Games in the coming weeks with advanced hit and defensive tools. The Manheim Township product should project as a middle of the order run creator in the heart of a collegiate lineup and the defensive capabilities are a bonus in what could be an uber-explosive prospect a year from now.

Quick Hits: The powerful 5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed hitter connects to the ground extremely well allowing for quick, twitchy hands to launch at any point into the hitting zone. Demonstrates flexibility in the hips creating quality hip/shoulder separation at the plate and loud, 87 mph bat-exit velocities. Uses all fields with gap to gap prowess and creates present pull-side juice when contacting the ball out in front of the plate. Rickabaugh is a polished receiver behind the dish and could be a game changer in the running game with a 79 mph arm-strength. 2.09-2.15 pop times will ultimately come down into the low 2.00’s if a slight pause in the transition is eliminated and with already present blocking and receiving skills, there’s a lot there to like. The backstop appears to be the total package with the hit tool being the best at the moment and offers high potential as a middle of the order impact bat at the next level. 

First Glimpse: 2/17/19 Preseason All-State Showcase - 7.65 60-yard dash, 2.10-2.20 pop time, 79 mph from the crouch, 86 mph bat-exit velocity. 

Breakout Performance: 2/16/20 Preseason All-State Showcase - 7.56 60-yard dash, 2.09-2.15 pop time, 79 mph from the crouch, 87 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: The University of Pittsburgh commit displayed a standout performance at our Preseason All-State Southeast this past February and has seen his stock point heavily north entering what should be a loaded backend of the summer. The pop time has come down each time we’ve seen him and if the trend continues, you’re reasonably talking about pops that could hover in the 2.00 range. With the ability to become more physical in the frame, additional power will be on the way and the current extra base hit prowess should play considerably well. 

Quick Hits: Horton possesses a noticeably athletic frame with present physicality in the actions; a combination that usually defines high ceiling prospects. The 6-foot, 185-pound left-handed hitter gets it done at the plate with quality rhythm in the setup and hands that work extremely well through the hitting zone. Demonstrates extra base hit abilities in-game using a gap to gap approach and should see above-average 91 mph bat-exit velocities continue to climb as he keeps progressing. The backstop recently improved his arm strength behind the dish (74 mph) and witnessed pop times drop accordingly (1.98-2.02) with impressive quickness in the transfers. Being a 6.85 runner was the exclamation point on a standout performance at the Keystone State Bombers Scout Day in March. Another must follow for the PA State Games, Horton displays plenty of raw power and offers a high ceiling accordingly. 

First Glimpse: 7/10/18 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase - 7.71 60-yard dash, 2.20-2.30 pop time, 70 mph from the crouch, 78 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 6.85 60-yard dash, 2.03-2.09 pop time, 74 mph from the crouch, 91 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the bat to ball skills are there and with consistently improving pop times Horton gives recruiters an all-around quality collegiate catcher that can compete for meaningful innings sooner rather than later. A hard worker in the weight room, it wouldn’t be a shock for there to be another significant jump in all measurable categories, which emphasizes the urgency to follow him closely throughout a packed summer/fall season.

Quick Hits: The 6-foot-1, 190-pound catcher disperses his weight extremely well on the frame which projects to comfortably add 10-15 pounds in the near future. The athleticism in the movements are evident across the board as the right-handed hitter showcases plenty of barrel whip into the hitting zone and demonstrates present pull-side juice when getting the bat head to the ball out in front of the plate. Has recorded bat-exit velocities in the mid to upper 80’s while touching up quality pitching on the national scene for the East Coast Sandhogs. A sound defender, Sheridan boasts pop times of 1.93-1.98 and routinely hovers around 2.00 on pitches in any quadrant of the zone. Seeing as how he is an above-average runner (6.90 60-yard dash) the Tunkhannock product moves extremely well laterally behind the dish with quick actions blocking anything in sight. With one of the better strength/athleticism combinations in the ‘22 class coupled with a frame that can carry additional weight, the potential is undeniable and could see him push into the top 4 of the class catcher rankings by this time next year. 

First Glimpse: 10/26/19 Elite Prospect Showcase - 6.90 60-yard dash, 2.04-2.12 pop time, 78 mph from the crouch, 84 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State Showcase NE/Central - 6.97 60-yard dash, 1.93-1.98 pop time, 76 mph velocity from the crouch, 85 mph bat-exit velocity, 4.58 home-to-first, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the quality backstop features arguably some of the highest potential in the ‘22 class. An impact summer at the State Games in under two weeks and success on the national scene could thrust Sheridan into top catcher considerations in the class. With a high floor as well, the Tunkhannock Area product projects to get on the field earlier rather than later with more than a few ways to positively contribute to a team.

Quick Hits: One of the top two-way standouts in the class, Peifer can run the fastball up to 85 mph and features a bat-exit velocity in the 90 mph range allowing for strength and violence in all facets of the game. At 6-foot, 200-pounds, the primary backstop possesses above average barrel awareness and generates noticeable pull-side juice when pitched out over the plate. The bat works well regardless of handedness on the mound and projects Peifer to slot into the middle of a collegiate lineup down the road. Pop times have been as low as 1.97 (consistently in the low 2.00’s) and have demonstrated the ability to shut down the run game at times coupled with a strong 76 mph arm-strength from the crouch. The right-handed pitcher mixes in a quality 71-74 mph slider with late biting action, which could be a true out pitch at the next level and a 74-76 mph changeup with downer, sinking action. 

First Glimpse: 2/17/19 Preseason All-State Showcase - 7.62 60-yard dash, 2.15-2.25 pop time, 72 mph from the crouch, 85 mph bat-exit velocity, 79-83 mph FB, 66-70 mph CB, 73-74 mph CH. 

Breakout Performance: 2/16/20 Preseason All-State Showcase Southeast - 7.53 60-yard dash, 2.07-2.14 pop time, 76 mph from the crouch, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, 83-85 mph FB, 74-76 mph CH, 71-74 mph SL, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Peifer’s raw power jumps off the page and should point to a prospect that is ready for the next level. In games we’ve scouted, the ball just comes off the bat differently and appears to be his best tool moving forward. With high expectations around the corner for a talented Redland squad, Peifer should have every opportunity to showcase his abilities against high-level competition and we’re willing to bet his stock continues to rise. 

Quick Hits: The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, physical catcher gets it done at the plate with quality hand speed through the hitting zone coupled with advanced strength in the lower half. The effort level is easy in the swing, making 93 mph bat-exit velocities look routine while utilizing some of the better barrel awareness amongst his peers in the class. With plenty of athleticism to continue adding weight, Posey projects to be a no-brainer middle of the order impact bat who can situationally hit with the best of them. Defensively, the backstop is comfortable while blocking, moving extremely well for his size laterally and has flashed 2.00-2.07 pop times on throws of 73 mph from the crouch. The transfer behind the dish coupled with powerful footwork creates quick glove to hand exchanges and could see pop times drop even lower with increased arm strength. This has the makings of a prospect that could explode down the stretch of his high school career and should be an extremely close follow once baseball activities resume in the state.

First Glimpse: 9/15/18 Western PA Fall Review - 7.65 60-yard dash, 2.15-2.19 pop time, 65 mph from the crouch, 84 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 Preseason All-State Western - 7.43 60-yard dash, 2.00-2.07 pop time, 73 mph from the crouch, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.  

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the North Allegheny product has done considerably well in a tough WPIAL conference and ultimately possesses an ultra high ceiling in a frame that could start day one at the next level. Given the bat to ball skills coupled with power output, Posey is as good a bet as anyone to surge up the rankings in the near future.

Quick Hits: Demonstrates advanced feel for a physical 5-foot-10, 220-pound frame with plenty of athleticism and an ease in his actions. The right-handed hitter generates natural hand speed into the hitting zone using a short, repeatable stroke allowing for repeatable backspin to all fields. Showcased a top round of batting practice (90 mph bat-exit velocity) at the Preseason All-State Northwest and impressed with pop times approaching 2.00, (2.03-2.12) on throws of 76 mph from the crouch. Has no issues blocking and the polished receiving skills are a bonus making Obman one of the most sought after catchers at the PA State Games in just over a week. 

First Glimpse: 6/03/19 Serra Catholic vs. Moniteau - Posted a hit in the 6-3 loss to Serra Catholic. 

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State Northwest - 7.12 60-yard dash, 2.03-2.12 pop time, 76 mph from the crouch, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Obman is well rounded in all facets of the game and the hands play extremely well at the dish, working long through the hitting zone. The gap to gap prowess is evident and should project the Moniteau product to be a middle of the order bat at the next level with abilities to impact the game defensively as well.

Quick Hits: The uber-athletic, 6-foot, 185 pound primary catcher moves incredibly well in all facets of the game (6.85 runner) and blends in plenty of physicality allowing for loud contact at the front of the plate (upper 80’s bat-exit velocity) giving you two above-average tools at the moment. The bat plays considerably well in-game too with a quality approach in the box and top-tier bat to ball skills. With present defensive capabilities featuring pop times hovering around 2.00 and some of the better blocking technique in the class, Shollenberger has more than enough feel to stick behind the dish long term and should be treated as a ‘total package’ prospect with a chance to get on the field extremely early depending on the level.

First Glimpse: 11/02/19 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase - 6.85 60-yard dash, 2.07-2.15 pop time, 74 mph from the crouch, 83 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 7/26/19 National Scene - Registered two hits in the victory over the Staten Island Orioles. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Shollenberger is intriguing in an extremely athletic frame while being a quality mover in all facets of the game. That combination usually leads to future success, which is why we project him to be an impact bat in the middle of a collegiate order while being able to contribute defensively as well.