Age: 24
Born: September 22, 1992
Cullman, AL
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 8th round, 2014
How Acquired: Draft
College: Alabama
High School: Cullman HS (AL)

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Notes from the Field: Devers power display... (5.6.15)

Released (April 2017)

Physical Description: Solid, athletic build. Transitioning physically from a outfielder’s build to that of a catcher.

Hit: Smooth, short, simple swing. Starts with a slight open stance standing straight up. Solid bat speed. All fields approach. Makes a lot of hard contact. Understands the strike zone and has an advanced approach. Potential solid-average hit tool.

Power: Below-average power potential. Won’t be a major part of his game, but could hit a handful of home runs. Swing more tailored for gap power.

Arm: Below-average arm strength. Had trouble transitioning from glove to throwing hand and with throwing accuracy when scouted during spring training 2015. Popped 2.12 seconds on only stolen base attempt witnessed in game action.

Field: Work in progress. Very rough defensively, especially with his footwork and blocking balls in the dirt.

Run: Average speed prior to knee injury. To be seen if and how it is impacted once he gets comfortable after his return. 

Career Notes: Played outfield exclusively late in his career at Alabama, but returned to catching upon entering pro ball. Tore his knee up ending his 2015 season after only 24 games. Missed most of the 2015 season with a knee injury that required surgery.

Summation: Projects as a bat-first catcher with at-best average defensive skills. Needs to significantly improve behind the plate, but he hasn’t had the consistent in-game reps necessary to show whether or not he will be able to do so because of his 2015 injury. Bat could play in a backup role at other positions, but would be most valuable at catcher. Relative to his age and college experience, a lot of development still required.