MLB Pipeline released their list of the top ten catching prospects on Thursday night and both Reese McGuire and Elias Diaz made the list. McGuire came in fourth overall, while Diaz finished two spots below him. Earlier this week, MLB Pipeline named McGuire the top defensive catcher among minor league prospects, edging out Diaz.
Besides the plus defense from both catchers, they each got some praise for their offense. Pipeline said that McGuire showed improvements during the AFL, making consistent contact and showing gap power, while Diaz should at least be an average hitter according to scouts. Both players have strong enough defense that they will still make the majors if their bats don’t reach their ceiling, and they could still be solid regulars. The upside for McGuire would be a little higher due to their difference in age.
On Tuesday, Tyler Glasnow was named the second best right-handed pitching prospect. No one from the Pirates made the top left-handed pitching prospect list on Wednesday.
