Jack
Payton

After splitting duties behind the plate last spring with Dodgers’ second rounder Dalton Rushing, Payton took over for the Cardinals behind the dish this season. Some high-level evaluators have seen a quality receiver with good side-to-side actions. Other scouts who have seen extended looks at his defense are not sold on his receiving, regardless of what the statistics show with only one passed ball this season. Payton also shows fringe-average arm strength and less than ideal arm action that leads to below average throwing accuracy. However, it’s his bat that draws the most interest. He shows a strong feel for the strike zone and generates good bat speed with a swing that keeps the barrel in the zone for an extended period of time. After leading the ACC in doubles (23) last season, Payton leads the Cardinals in all three triple crown categories with a .390 batting average, eight home runs and 27 RBI this spring. He has also stolen seven bases in 10 attempts. The crop of 2023 draft-eligible backstops does not present much depth, giving Payton a chance to really push himself up draft boards between now and July. He currently ranks fifth behind Kyle Teel, Calvin Harris, Luke Shliger and Jared Dickey. With offense over defense his profile is most similar to Dickey.

USA CNT: After splitting duties behind the plate this spring with 2022 second rounder (Dodgers) Daulton Rushing, Payton served as the secondary starter with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team behind Virginia’s Kyle Teel. A quality receiver with good side-to-side actions, Payton has worked hard to build up his offensive profile, which includes some pop (more to the gaps than over the fence at present) generated through good bat speed and a swing that keeps the barrel in the zone for an extended period of time. He shows a strong feel for the strike zone and as he continues to mature physically his ability to barrel the ball throughout a wide swath of his swing should lead to even more hard contact to all fields. Currently, the crop of 2023 draft-eligible backstops has not flexed a lot of depth, giving Payton a chance to really push himself up boards between now and next summer should a little more in-game power emerge over the next 12 months.

+ One of the top individual performers on the weekend was Cangelosi Sparks catcher Jack Payton (Brother Rice HS, IL). Payton collected multiple extra-base hits, including a home run in the morning pool-play game and played stellar defense behind the plate, to-boot. Payton, a Louisville commit, is a strong, athletic backstop who stays extremely still and quiet, routinely getting borderline pitches called strikes for his pitchers. 

Louisville commit. 5-foot-11, 185-pound C/OF, athletic frame, proportionate body. Hits from a balanced, athletic set up, smooth, quiet load, short stride, explosive lower half, smooth rhythm, short, level bat path, gets extension, a line drive, gap to gap type of hitter. Flashes the ability to square up the baseball with backspin almost every time he puts the ball in play, also runs well. Behind the plate Payton shows solid defensive skills, advanced receiving ability, deadens the ball in blocking, as well as a quick release and strong arm.

Louisville commit. 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher, durable and athletic build. Advanced catching ability, plus receiver with soft hands. Controls the tempo of the game. Not a coincidence that the Crusader Sophomore starting pitcher made a solid Homewood-Flossmoor lineup look lost at the plate, Payton received minimal shake offs. Quick out of the chute, 2.06 in game on a caught stealing. Went 1-for-3 at the plate with a line drive up the middle and a walk.

Louisville commit, currently ranked No. 6 in the Illinois’ 2020 class and No. 170 overall. 5-foot-11, 180-pound, strong, wide-shouldered, right-handed hitting catcher. Continues to prove he is one of the top catchers in the state. Advanced receiver, adept at presenting pitches, especially pitches at the bottom of the zone. Strong, confident arm from behind the plate, will throw behind runners. At the plate, understands the strike zone, recognizes spin and looks to pull at times. Bat stays through the hitting zone, lift in swing and strength through contact.

Verbally committed to Louisville.

At OK Limited Series, Payton was outstanding at the dish ripping a triple in the first inning with a smoked double down the left field line later on. All of the right-handed hitter’s contact was loud, even his outs. Equally as impressive behind the dish, Payton exhibits soft hands with loose hips while receiving. He also showcases a strong throwing arm, and blocked a ball in game before recovering to gun down a would-be base stealer. His 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame has natural, athletic strength throughout, and his strong forearms allow him to whip the barrel through the zone quickly without much pre-pitch movement.

Strong physical build, thick lower half, 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Payton showed serious pop to his pull side, quick twitch trigger, jumps the baseball with authority and carries a presence in the box. Strong arm out of the crouch, carries to second, arm can get long at times. Athletic defender, 2.07-2.15 pop times. Well above average runner.