A New Era to See Through:

The Next wave for the Washington Nationals.

Catchers

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

8/5/2021

This is part 2 of the 4-article set detailing the key young players to the Washington Nationals coming rebuild. Today’s article will focus on the catching position for the Nats. As this position got the biggest overhaul in terms of prospect acquisition during the deadline. Now due to exit of Catcher Yan Gomes in a trade to the Oakland Athletics, and injuries to backups Alex Avila and Rene Rivera, opportunity abounds. Now with the infusion of youth to the catcher spot the question becomes which of these young backstops will stick behind the plate for the Nats. The catchers to be highlighted in this article will be former 2016 6th round pick Tres Barrera. Along with recently acquired prospects Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams, and Drew Millas. These 4 catchers are the names to watch as the catching competition begins.

Catchers:

-        The catching position for the Nats has been in flux since the departure of Wilson Ramos. With veterans like the recently departed Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki, Alex Avila, among others filling the position for Washington. While all those vets filled in admirably it is now time for the Nats to find their catcher of the future. With the options at their disposal now they will have several chances to figure out who can stick behind the dish. Maybe it will be a combination duo from the 4 catchers discussed below.

Keibert Ruiz:

-        The Nats acquired Ruiz as the key figure in the Blockbuster trade between the Nats and the Dodgers. He upon entry into the Nats system he became their top prospect as ranked by Baseball America. The skillset as a hitter he brings to the table as a Catcher is a big reason why. The 23-year-old switch hitter is considered an elite contact hitter at the minor league level. He displays more power from the left side than the right as a hitter. Though continues to work to improve the utilization of his lower half to better his power production. Behind the plate Ruiz has all the tools to be a solid defender. Though he must work on his consistency in his receiving of the ball, while bettering his throwing mechanics to be quicker and more accurate throwing to bases with his strong arm. Ruiz presents the talent to become a future star for D.C. A player that may debut for the Nats in the next 2 months as they begin to give him his opportunity.

Tres Barrera:

-        Tres Barrera with the departure of Gomes has now become the number 1 catcher for the Nats currently. His season numbers thus far include a .262 batting average, with 1 homer, and 6 rbi’s in 61 at bats. He has shown in the minors and thus far at the major league level to be strong behind the plate. He seems to have all the defensive tools to be at least a backup caliber catcher in the MLB. If Barrera continues to make strides at the plate, he can show the ability to be a starting caliber catcher going forward. He has shown solid strike zone recognition with some pop in the Bigs so far. Barrera does have quite a bit of competition at his position going forward. Though he has the competitive mindset and work ethic to keep his name in the mix.

Riley Adams:

-        Adams who the Nats acquired from Toronto in a trade that sent closer Brad Hand to the Blue Jays is the 13th ranked prospect now in the Nats system. The second-best catching prospect behind Ruiz. He is a huge target at 6’4” 246 lbs. leaving scouts and analyst wondering if he can stay behind the plate long term. Adams has already exclaimed his desire to be a long-term catcher and is showing the work ethic to make this happen. Adams most intriguing assets as a player are his power and his game calling ability. His debut last night behind the dish he looked to receive and frame pitches well. He has also shown maturity in managing and calling games behind the plate displaying much upside. Plus, his strong arm will allow him to control the running game. His power tool as a hitter makes him a bat worth getting excited about. As he displays the potential of elite power at the position. It will be interesting to see what he does going forward at as well as behind the plate.

Drew Millas:

-        Millas was the third and final catcher the Nats acquired at the Deadline. As he was apart of the trade that sent Catcher Yan Gomes and utility man Josh Harrison to Oakland. The former Athletics 7th round pick displays some promising upside, but clear areas of his game he must improve. He showcases a good arm behind the plate, with well thought of receiving skills and blocking ability. Scouts say he has a good approach at the plate with developing power. He still has to workout some of the kinks in his game as a hitter to become more of an impact bat. Overall Millas’ defensive abilities alone are strong enough to have him right in the mix at the catcher position. Millas may make it to the big leagues in the next year or so to stake his claim to a spot behind the plate for Washington.

The Catching position for the Nats in the span of one trade deadline has been completely revamped. Going from arguably the weakest position in the organization in terms of depth, to a strength. It will be exciting to watch these four young backstops among others not mentioned battle it out for a permanent spot in the Bigs for the Nats. Meaning Washington will have tough decisions, but a good problem to deal with as they look to find the catchers of the future.