MLB Pipeline has been releasing its updated rankings for the 2023 season, which includes a list of the top-10 prospects at each position. Among their latest unveilings, Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Diego Cartaya was listed as the No. 2 catcher in the Minor Leagues.
Cartaya trails only New York Mets prospect Francisco Álvarez, who made his MLB debut during the 2022 season and should graduate from the list in 2023. When Álvarez is classified as a full time big leaguer, that would presumably push Cartaya into the top slot.
Following Cartaya is Kevin Parada (Mets), Henry Ford (Seattle Mariners), Logan O’Hoppe (Los Angeles Angels), Endy Rodriguez (Pittsburgh Pirates), Henry Davis (Pirates), Bo Naylor (Cleveland Guardians), Drew Romo (Colorado Rockies) and Edgar Quero (Angels).
Cartaya is listed by MLB Pipeline with a 60 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale, which translates into nearly an All-Star caliber player. They also give him a 50 hit tool, 60 power, 35 running, 60 arm and 55 fielding.
Their scouting report says Cartaya used a quick right-handed swing and his size to hit for power to all parts of the field. He does have some trouble with strikeouts, but his ability to recognize pitches and take walks, along with his power, counters the high strikeout rate.
On the defensive side, they write that his game needs more polish, but that is expected for a young catcher. Despite his strong arm, he needs to improve on throwing out base stealers, and the receiving, framing and blocking aspects of his game are still developing. However, he has received praise for his overall makeup, including his leadership, communication and game-planning skills.
The 21-year-old participated in the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Dodger Stadium and was named the 2022 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year by the Dodgers. He also drew praise following the season from Dodgers director of player development Will Rhymes, who said the young backstop is on track to being a great player with his talent and personality.
Diego Cartaya ranked by Baseball America
Cartaya was also recently named the No. 18 prospect overall in MLB by Baseball America following a 2022 campaign in which he hit a combined .254/.389/.503 with 22 doubles, 22 home runs and 72 RBI between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and High-A Great Lakes.
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