Each year over 1000 players are drafted during the Major League Baseball draft, each bringing their unique story and skill set. This year brings along one of the most unique prospects in a long time, Anthony Seigler.

 

Anthony Seigler 2018 MLB Draft Profile

 

Committed to the University of Florida’s elite program, Seigler not only switch hits, but he also switch pitches, topping out in the low 90’s with both arms. Though Seigler is known for his prowess as a catcher, he also pitched and played third base, second base, as well as outfield, a rare utility player. The most unique aspect of Seigler may be his heritage, as Anthony seeks to be only the second member of the Navajo tribe to make the Major Leagues, following in the footsteps of Jacoby Ellsbury. No matter what happens, Seigler has the support of more than just his tribe through the journey to Major League Baseball.

 

Strengths

 

Typically catchers have a similar profile, but not Seigler. Seigler profiles as an athletic specimen behind the plate with an arm to boot and one of the best hit tools of any catcher in the draft class. On the bases catchers are often compared to player’s of the same position, but Seigler grades out as an average runner. Seigler’s quickness could even project as a second basemen, only furthering his value. Behind the plate, Seigler uses his athleticism to block balls and move well from the catcher spot. Pop times hover around 2.00 for Anthony with some dipping below 1.90 which is quite good. Some scouting services seem to undersell Seigler’s arm strength as that same right arm that throws 90 mph heaters can also gun down base runners. Seigler shows some receiving skills as well.

 

At the plate Seigler shows serious ability to stick as a switch hitter. The swings and approaches from either side of the plate remain fairly consistent, the left side offers a bit more loft compared to the right. Consistent contact across the board and above average bat speed add up to one of the best hitting profiles in the draft.

 

Weakness

 

Due to his vast array of tools it is difficult to pinpoint weaknesses for Anthony. Behind the plate, his arm strength will never be elite although it is still very much playable. Receiving wise there still is some work to do. Additionally, some intangible skills catcher’s must posses including feel for pitchers and calling a game are likely things to be learned during the Minor Leagues. Seigler likely will never be much of a power hitter, likely topping out at 15-20 per year, much of that due to a fairly level swing path.

 

Overall

 

Searching for a player comparison for such a unique prospect is an arduous task. One current player would be Austin Barnes as both Barnes and Seigler defend the position well with line drive, gap power. But Seigler’s rare combination of tools evokes images of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. Both had uncommon athleticism to the point where a positional interchange between second base and catcher was not out of the ordinary. Look for Siegler to hear his name called towards the end of the first round with teams such as the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers being linked.
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