Anyone who closely follows the Braves franchise should already know of the two weakest links in its farm system: catching and power. With the recent focus on both, there is no better time to make the argument that J.J. Schwarz needs to be the first guy off their board in the 2017 first year player draft. This kid can be an answer to both. The top catchers in the system right now, Lucas Herbert, Brett Cumberland, and possibly Alex Jackson, either haven’t shown proficient skill in the batter’s box, or lack defensive ability behind it. Herbert is a great glove and battery-mate to Kolby Allard and the Single-A crew, but his hitting is largely judged on what he did in high school. Cumberland completed his sophomore season at Cal showing he can hit for average (.344) and get on base (.480), but power was and is not a tool of his, and his future at catcher is widely doubted.
The Case for J.J. Schwarz
J.J. Schwarz has shown that he can contribute in both aspects while competing collegiately in the pitching-dominant SEC at Florida. Cited as average to above average defensively, Schwarz is no Herbert with the glove, but he brings a right handed, power oriented, Cumberland-like bat with a glove that falls somewhere between them. One could expect improvement in his abilities behind the dish with consistent playing time there. Due to depth at catcher on Florida’s baseball team, Schwarz has not seen frequent play there and splits time at DH.
A Strong Start in College
Schwarz forced himself into top-talent status after hitting to a .332/.398/.629 slash line as a freshman. He led the team in doubles (16), home runs (18), and RBI (73), while starting all 70 games. His contributions in the SEC tournament earned him MVP honors, as he carried Florida to the 2015 College World Series in Omaha, where they fell in the semifinals to eventual national champion, Virginia.
The following year, he very nearly delivered a repeat of his freshman campaign. His sophomore season saw a drop-off in power, yet he maintained a .290/.397/.456 slash, consistent in high average and OBP. Listed at 6’2 and 205, Schwarz’s drop in power should not be too frightening for scouts. He proved good knowledge of the strike zone by again walking nearly as often as striking out, something Cumberland admittedly did better in his days at Cal; however, through 45 games in Danville, Cumberland turned in a .216/.317/.340 line and recorded far more strikeouts than walks. In Cumberland’s defense, he did so immediately after completing a full college season while also being his first in pro ball. Similarly, it is worth noting Herbert had flashed power potential as well, but his 2016 numbers at the plate (.185/.234/.278) are cause for at least some concern, though his six home runs were a positive note.
What he Represents
J.J. Schwarz is a catcher who will be strong enough in the arm and fielding tools to stay behind the plate, while at the same time contributing offensively with a true power bat. He adds to the number of potential MLB catchers in the system – which realistically may only be one or two – while adding to the group of legitimate power bats, which includes Jackson, Kevin Maitan, Travis Demeritte, Austin Riley, Dustin Peterson, and Braxton Davidson. Though the group has grown recently, many of them come with the classic strikeout rate problem. Otherwise, they play a position they will have to compete directly for or will be blocked at. Schwarz is an answer to two problems.
It is not a priority, but staying true to traditional Braves appeal has a cool factor for the fans. The organization has historically drafted local players. He comes from Braves country, born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is also the type of player that John Coppolella and friends are focused on: high ceiling. Often compared to Buster Posey, albeit a less athletic sort, Schwarz has shown a lack of speed, which his scouting grade of 35 on the traditional 20-80 scale reflects. He’s still a pretty decent catcher despite only playing there every now and again at Florida.
Draft Strategy
The Braves recent strategy has been to go for quality arms, and the organization only has one pick in the first round this coming draft, but Baseball America and MLB.com have both acknowledged the depth of quality arms in the 2017 class. It’s worth the gamble to take Schwarz with the fifth pick and grab a pitcher early in the second round. Most of the top talents for 2017 are pitchers anyway, leaving plenty of viable options for the Braves second pick. Nick Pratto would be a solid get for many reasons, and he will likely be available when Atlanta picks again. It is possible to grab a promising catcher with offensive potential and defensive steadiness without sacrificing anything in terms of primal draft strategy.
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