There is an interesting situation developing behind the plate in Corpus Christi. With three catching prospects regularly finding their way into the lineup, the Hooks have had to get creative with playing time. But rather than viewing it as a problem, it’s a good indication of just how much catching depth the Astros have accumulated at the upper levels of the system.
Walker Janek, Jason Schiavone and Will Bush each bring something different to the table and have established themselves as intriguing prospects in their own right.
Here’s a closer look at each of the catching prospects currently in Corpus Christi.
Walker Janek (#12 Astros Prospect according to AstrosFuture.com)
- G- 37
- AVG-.218
- OBP-.268
- SLG-.368
- OPS-.636
These numbers aren’t loud but it shouldn’t bring worry as Janek is only 23 years old. After his sting on the injured list, he has shown many flashes of potential with the bat. He has an extremely strong and accurate arm behind the plate while also being very athletic and it shows behind the plate as well. He has some raw power and speed on the bases too. Now he just has to tap into it more.
July Stats-
- AVG-.327
- OPS.1.162
- RBI-15
- SB-10
- HR-5
After returning from the injured list, he is looking like the real prospect the Astros hoped for when they drafted him. He is predicting at the plate and driving in runs at a great clip. What excites me, is that he steals bags confidently.He is the most sustainable catcher out of the three, just due to his defense.
Jason Schiavone (#9 Astros Prospect according to AstrosFuture.com)
- G– 57
- AVG-.246
- OBP-.386
- SLG-.387
- OPS-.773
The 23 year-old prospect was drafted in the 11th round out of James Madison University. He jumped in the MLB prospect rankings for the Astros this year after experiencing a huge breakout. Schiavone is a very mature hitter with high exit velocities and a patient approach at the plate. While he strikes out quite a bit, the number has actually lowered since he got promoted to Double-A.
Last 10 games:
- AVG-.270
- OBP-.400
- SLG-.432
- OPS-.832
- 2B-6
He struggles with swing and miss at times but controls the zone at a good clip and finds ways to get on base. Before his promotion, he had a 16% chase rate. Schiavone’s defense is strong and improving. He has thrown out 47% of base stealers in Double-A and is athletic behind the plate.
Will Bush (#20 Astros Prospect according to AstrosFuture.com)
- G-71
- AVG-.244
- OBP-.376
- SLG-.404
- OPS-.780
- HR-10
This 22 year-old catching prospect is an interesting one. He gets on base at a high clip but with also has a lot of strikeouts. Bush hit a walk-off opposite field home run on May 1st against Frisco, showing his legitimate power. The on-base numbers speak volumes due to his discipline. The gap in his average(.244) and his OBP(.376) shows that his plate discipline is working. Bush is also playing some 1st base because out of these three, he has the biggest question mark on the defensive side. Scouts could very well see him moving to 1st base in the future. Bush has a strong arm but it just isn’t resulting in throwing out runners(13-63).
Janek vs Schiavone vs Bush
Walker Janek– Highest pedigree & best chance sticking at catcher
The defense is where Janek separates from the three. He is a plus receiver, blocker, and also has a very quick release with a 70 grade arm (according to MLB.com). He takes care of the baseball and excels with the pitching staff. Janek also has the most balanced profile. If he can continue on what he did in July and show it’s not just a “hot streak”, he will fly through the prospect rankings.
Jason Schiavone– Biggest offensive breakout/enormous power
The highest rising prospect on this list, Schiavone has the least amount of experience in Double-AA, but he is producing the highest offensive numbers. The power and the hitting ability separates him from the others. With above average speed, he already joined the 20-20 club between High A and Double-A before the All-Star break, so that speaks volume to his bat.
Will Bush– Best combination of plate discipline and power, but biggest defensive question
The on base numbers overall can be a telling story of how mature he is at the plate. He strikes out (104 Ks) at a high clip, but he still finds a way to get on base. If he can improve defensively as a catcher, he could grow as a prospect in this organization really fast. He is the youngest catcher on this list, but has the most experience in Double-A.
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