2021 Catchers on The Rise

With five D1 commits already in the 2021 class, Hudson Seigler (Farragut) leads a competitive group of uncommitted catchers, which saw a lot of shuffling since our previous edition.  Seigler and Emery Wright (Knoxville Catholic) have established themselves as the most polished well-rounded prospects; however, it looks to be an incredibly deep class with the top 20 options showcasing some high upside tools. 

We saw some big time jumps from several backstops, including Jarrett Martin (Hardin County) climbing just over 100 spots. John Combs (Rhea County) and Caden Cutrell (Beech) put together strong preseasons to make steady climbs, but overall a tight pack of catchers who will have success at the next level and provide college recruiters with some serious options. 

Lefty bats, like Gates Shoemaker (Baylor) and Jackson Cauthron (Siegel), round out the top 100 prospects and switch-hitting Avery Collins (Greeneville) nestles just inside the top 150. Add some seasoned vets into the mix, such as Underclass Games MVP Daniel Sherman (Franklin), Coleman Siniard (Giles County) and TPG standout Avery Robertson (Briarcrest), who all have shown the ability to pick up knocks in bunches.  Catch and throw specialist Milo Green (South Gibson) leads the charge of rankings newcomers while Christopher Martin (Community) and Mason Ishee (Rockvale) put together a solid showing in their PBR debuts this preseason.  

2021 On the Rise:

Catchers | First Base | Mid. Infielders | Third Base | Outfielders | Righty Pitchers | Lefty Pitchers | 

Catchers

Hudson Seigler, C, Farragut Rank: 35 (+2)
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Seigler has cemented himself as the top available catcher in the state as we approach the summer of 2020.  An all-around standout providing great defense, offensive production, and great makeup. Easy gap-to-gap power as the ball jumps off the bat to all fields.  Quiet movement behind plate with soft hands and great arm strength. As polished as they come, the Farragut product shouldn’t be on the board for very long.  

Emery Wright, C/3B, Knoxville Catholic: Rank: 48 (+17)
The 5-foot-11, 174-pound catcher/third baseman just simply rakes. After a strong Border Battle this fall, Wright packed on probably 15-pounds of lean muscle over the offseason and showed out at the East TN Preseason Showcase.  Wright barreled baseball after baseball with a short compact swing with great bat speed and rotational acceleration. He has the tools to stay behind the plate at the next level and can provide depth at 3B/2B in an offensive-hybrid role.  This workhorse brings a physical edge to the game, especially in the box.  

John Combs, C/3B, Rhea County: Rank: 62 (+27)
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound catcher/third baseman has some top-notch raw power.  After a strong Top Prospect Games in June, Combs improved across the board in late January cleaning up some areas of his game and still bringing the power to the table (Exit Velo: 97). Combs can drive the ball to all gaps while getting on plane early leading to consistent hard line drives. His pop time continues to dwindle down below 2.00 and his arm strength continues to develop.  Projects to be an offensive C/3B at the next level, providing solid value at both positions. 

Jarrett Martin, C/3B, Hardin County: Rank: 64 (+104)
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound catcher/third baseman made the largest jump in the entire 2021 class, climbing over 100 spots after exploding onto the scene this January. Martin walloped the baseball in his BP round at the Preseason All-State Showcase, big time gains since the summer of 2019.  Significantly better bat speed and launched the baseball gap-to-gap, ability to pick up extra base hits in bunches. Also, made gains behind the dish going sub 2.00 pop time with cleaner mechanics and better carry on throws. Similar to Wright and Combs, provides a solid glove at 3B as an offensive hybrid role with the tools to stay behind the dish.   

Caden Cutrell, C, Beech: Rank: 77 (+26)
The 6-foot, 210-pound backstop made a steady jump in the rankings after a strong offensive showing at the Preseason All-State Showcase.  Cutrell topped the leaderboard with 98 Exit Velo and showed smooth hands on his throwdowns with 1.93-2.01 Pop Time. Our scouting staff caught Cutrell again in early season district action vs Hendersonville (3.11.20), when he had a big time oppo-taco double off the wall.  Cutrell is a one to watch once baseball gets up and rolling again. 

Milo Green, C, South Gibson: Rank: 82 (NR)
The 5-foot-8, 155-pound backstop might not wow you in stature, but he is a certified catch and throw specialist. Green stood out at Memphis Tigers Scout Day with his smooth transfers and quick, snap release logging a best 1.91 Pop Time.  Consistently sub 2.00 and accurate throws on the bag. Offensively, Green must continue to develop and get stronger to provide more consistency offensively, but upside is he does swing it from the left side. All in all, the defensive tool is there, and the rest should work itself out in due time as Green fills out and develops.

Click Here to View 2021 Rankings