The MLB Draft is just weeks away and the anticipation is only growing for these prospects. The catching department is not a strong suit in the draft. However, Logan Tanner is among a select few elite backstops. Tanner is a 21-year-old prodigy out of Mississippi State who many consider the strongest arm in the draft. After three sturdy seasons as a Bulldog, the youngster has declared. Aside from fellow catchers Kevin Parada and Daniel Susac, Tanner is no less than an early-round draft pick.
Logan Tanner, Catcher, Mississippi State
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 215 lbs.
DOB: 11/10/2000
Bat: Right
Throws: Right
2021 Stats: 67 G, .287/.383/.525/, 15 HR, 53 RBI, 45 R, 39 BB, 48 K
2022 Stats: 55 G, .285/.387/.425, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 36 R, 32 BB, 45 K
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 55
Run: 30
Field: 55
Arm: 70
Overall: 55
Entering his collegiate career as a two-way player, Tanner was tossing 96mph from the bump while also framing pitches in high school. He thrived on the mound but decided to cash out with his catching abilities at Mississippi State. Preserving a 1.64 ERA along with 114 strikeouts as a junior, Tanner had quite the arm in high school. The decision to prioritize his catching proficiency merged well with his pitching abilities. His cannon behind the plate is first-class and runners should give it a second thought before testing him on the basepaths.
Strengths
It is pretty clear where the youngster succeeds on the field. A cannon behind the plate along with above-average catching instincts, almost any runner is likely to be erased. In the box, his raw power is nothing to dismiss, which he enacts through a silky stroke from the right side. His stocky 215-pound frame is a big factor in Tanner’s ability to drive the ball. He smacked 15 dingers in his sophomore season along with seven more as a junior. Additionally, his discipline is only an upside as he can wear down any count.
Weaknesses
A downside to the former Bulldog is his sluggish trudge around the bases. While catchers aren’t expected to have jaw-dropping speed, it only puts a dash on Tanner’s draft stock. Offensively, he hits around .280 and needs to mature his game in order to reach his potential at the plate. If all goes well, the budding catcher could be hitting 30 home runs a year.
Pro Comparison: J.T. Realmuto
It’s not simple to compare prospects until they have completely blossomed. Realmuto, however, is the perfect match for Tanner. A 6’1″ frame weighing in at 212 pounds, the Phillies’ catcher is fairly alike to the amateur backstop. Realmuto is considered to have the biggest cannon in the league along with some pop from the right side. Tanner is turning into a carbon copy of the veteran backstop.
Draft Projection: Round 2, Pick 43, Arizona Diamondbacks
The young backstop is looking to be an early second-rounder. While his chances for the first-round aren’t too slim, the draft talent seems to be overpowering. The Diamondbacks would be the perfect fit if Tanner is still around. A struggling franchise that is lacking leadership and authority could use a player of Tanner’s caliber.
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