2013 MLB Draft Profile: Reese McGuire, C, Covington, WA HS

Reese McGuire, C, Covington, WA
High School Senior
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
HT/WT: 6'1"/190
Birthdate: 3/2/95 Age at Draft: 18.4

Reese McGuire Prospect Video, Kentwood HS @Reese_McGuire21 (via Steve Fiorindo)

At 6'1", 190, McGuire isn't a big, solid catcher, at least visually. However, he is more athletic than most backstops and has the defensive skills to be elite behind the dish. He has a strong arm with good accuracy. His pop times are above average consistently due to a quick release combined with his arm strength. His blocking ability is very good and he should bulk up enough to have a durable build back there. His defense is a huge asset and by itself would get him drafted without much of a bat.

But he does have a good bat, featuring a great lefty swing. His swing would get him taken at the top of the draft no matter his position. He keeps his hands high and drives through the zone with a lightning quick bat. He is short and compact to the ball and generates a lot of power potential. He could be a high average hitter with a lot of doubles early on, doubles that slowly turn into home runs as he gains strength and becomes more confident about which pitches to turn on.

His defense is top of the class and his bat should be/could be well above average. He has enough athleticism to r play all over the diamond but is most valuable behind the dish. McGuire is from the Pacific Northwest, so he doesn't have quite as much on-field game time as some of the southern players, but it doesn't show. He is an easy first round pick and could be a top 10 pick with a good spring and if the right team sees him at the right time. He is committed to the strong program at the University of San Diego, but should be signable for first-round money.