Amateur Hour: Jon Denney

Despite the 2013 draft class not looking especially strong on all fronts, there is a wealth of catching prospects in the draft pool. Although Jon Denney is a high school catcher and still has plenty of room to grow, he may just have a higher ceiling than any other catcher to be drafted this year. Denney has all the tools to be a good all-around catcher with the ability to be major league average or above both behind and at the plate.

Jul 4, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; A general view during a flyover past a large American flag draped over the green monster prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Behind the plate, Denney is tools galore even for a high school prospect. He has shown a very strong arm and also good tools and refinement as a general receiving catcher. Hitting-wise, Denney also has all the tools to be a very advanced-hitting catcher. Denney makes regular contact and possesses the ability to square the ball up and hit for power better than many other hitters in the draft class.

Taking high school players is always risky, and especially so with toolsy high school catchers. However, unlike many high-slot catching choices over the years (Red Sox prospect Blake Swihart for an example), scouts think Denney will be able to make it as a catcher. If the Red Sox choose to take Denney with their #7 pick, they’ll be hoping that Denney becomes the catcher of the future for this team.