The Los Angeles Dodgers held 40 selections in the 2017 MLB Draft, and again focused on pitching, which comprised 22 of their picks. Among the position players taken were two catchers.
The first of which was Connor Wong, who was drafted in the third round out of the University of Houston. While the Dodgers recently announced the signing of 21 draft picks, Wong was not among the group. The slot value for the No. 100 overall pick is $537,100.
Listed at 5’10 and 180 lbs., Wong reminds of Austin Barnes. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Dodgers scouting director Billy Gasparino said that’s precisely how the organization views Wong:
“That’s exactly how we’ve seen him internally,” said amateur scouting director Billy Gasparino, who took Wong in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft on Tuesday. “They are both smaller, agile, athletic catchers, and Connor really has a plus throwing arm. We hope we can refine him behind the plate so he’s as good as Barnes. He’s an intelligent player and we’re really excited to get him.”
Wong batted .287/.379/.494 with 12 home runs in his junior year this past season. Like Barnes, he was also a natural shortstop in high school. In addition to catching, Wong played some third base and the outfield for Houston.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and his front office have placed a premium on versatility. It’s been instrumental to the likes of Barnes, Cody Bellinger, Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor reaching the Majors and sticking with the club even in a roster crunch.
Over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Barnes has played catcher, second base and third base.
