Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Carmel Catholic HS
Position: C
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Cooper Johnson 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Featuring an athletic and muscular frame, Cooper Johnson immediately stands out from the pack. Johnson attended Carmel Catholic High School in Illinois, where he rose to as high as the 22nd-ranked high school player in the country by Baseball America. The catcher amassed a .382 batting average and .479 OBP in his junior season. In my interview with Atlanta Braves scout Kevin Barry, Johnson was described as a “tremendous catch and throw guy.”
Johnson has been touted as an elite prep catcher whose glove seems to be more advanced than his bat. His defensive skills are amongst the best scouts have ever seen out of a high school catcher, which gives him added value to a Major League roster. In the last three seasons, only three prep catchers have been selected in the first round, which suggests that Johnson will be selected in the second or third round.
Strengths:
- Tremendous pop time
- Very strong arm
- Advanced catch and throw skills
- Extraordinary footwork
- Excels at blocking and receiving the baseball
- Can hit for power
Weaknesses:
- Lack of speed
- Bad pitch recognition at the plate
- Long swing
- Struggles to hit breaking pitches
MLB Comparison: Russell Martin
Projected Pick Range: 2nd or 3rd round
Most Likely Landing Spots: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals
Bottom Line
Barry has confidence in Johnson’s ability to play a role for a Major League team. “He’ll at least be a backup for a big league club,” said Barry. “His bat will determine whether he is a starter.”
Johnson possesses elite catching skills. Some scouts timed Johnson at a 1.84 pop time with 85 MPH throws to second base; both are unusually high marks for a high school catcher. Though Johnson is not fast, his quick feet allow him to block and receive balls like a seasoned veteran.
Ultimately, Johnson is a wait-and-see prospect. He must prove that he can swing the bat at the professional level before he’s considered a Major League-ready catcher. That said, there is a greater likelihood that a player with a special arm can learn to hit, as opposed to the contrary.
Sources: MLB.com, Prospect Junkies, Perfect Game USA
Main Photo via YouTube.com
