2015 Toronto Blue Jays Top Prospects: #5 Max Pentecost

By Shaun Doyle | Feb 10, 2015

It is that time of year, where the team here at Jays Journal once again discusses the Toronto Blue Jays Top Prospects. We have compiled our Top 20. Basically, we wanted to create the most all-inclusive Blue Jays prospect ranking out there.

So, we took a mixed approach to our rankings. Not only did we take a ranking from each member of our writing staff, but we also figured in the rankings from other publications as well, including MLB.com, Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, and Minor League Ball.

We have already begun our Top 20 prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays system. #20– A.J. Jimenez, #19– Matthew Dean, #18– John Stilson, #17- Alberto Tirado, #16- Dwight Smith Jr.,#15- Anthony Alford, #14- Dawel Lugo,#13– Richard Urena, #12– Matt Smoral, #11 Jairo Labourt, #10 Mitch Nay, and #9 Sean Reid-Foley, #8, Miguel Castro, #7, Roberto Osuna, #6, Devon Travis.

At our #5 spot is highly touted catcher, Max Pentecost.

Name: Maxwell Glen Pentecost

Position: C

Date of Birth: Mar 10/93

Acquired: 11th over all in 2014 Amatuer Draft. (signed for $2.9M) He was originally drafted in 2011 (7th round) by the Texas Rangers

Height/Weight: 6’2″/191lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Awards and Accomplishments:

2014 Johnny Bench Award winner as top collegiate catcher.
2014 College Baseball All-American Team
Finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy
Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year

Stats & Analysis:

After being drafted and signed by the Blue Jays, Pentecost spent his first 6 games in Gulf Coast League while he obtained his passport. There, he collected 8 hits in those 6 games for a .364 average. He only struck out 3 times. Once his paperwork was in order, the Blue Jays sent him to their original choice for him, Vancouver. In 19 games there, he slashed .313/.322/.410 with 26 hits and 9 RBI.

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On the defensive side of things, in his 10 games behind the dish, allowed 16 stolen bases and caught 4 would be thieves. This showing on defense seems to fit with the offense first appeal of Pentecost as a catcher. According to Matt Garrioch of Minor League Ball, Pentecost will be an average defensive catcher, enough to stick at the big league level, but his bat is the big ticket.

Given such a small sample size, we should be leery about reading too much into them. It would be unfair to judge the offense based on 19 games. Likewise, 10 games behind the plate is just a tease.

Outlook/ETA:

According to Jim Callis of MLB.com, unlike other catchers in the 2014 draft, Pentecost is the most likely to stay behind the plate. Callis suggests that Pentecost does not really have a weakness as a catcher. He offers some pop with gap to gap power, good bat control, the ability to run, throw and is projected to develop his skills as a receiver. It is rare to find a catcher who can run as well as Pentecost. He stole 11 bases in the Cape Cod league.

Indeed, it would appear that he brings a lot to the table. Most of all, though, his bat seems to be the most enticing. His defense will be solid enough to play, but the bat is what has everyone excited. Here’s a sample:

For a full video profile, check out this piece by Liam McGuire at The Canadian Baseball Network.

One of the concerns may come in the form of his health. He had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his throwing arm in his senior year of high school. HIs 2014 season was cut short due to a wrist injury. Then, we found out that on Oct. 8, he underwent a shoulder procedure. Now, this surgery would have had plenty of recovery time, but simple recovery and getting into game shape are two different things.

Given that he is just 21 and the Blue Jays are set at catcher for quite a while now, Pentecost will be given time to recuperate and develop. However, he may not need that much time. Having said that, it is foreseeable that he would start the year in Lansing to get games and at bats under his belt, but the club would not keep him there if he is healthy and continues to excel. It would not be unreasonable to expect a higher ascent through the system.

Next: 2015 Blue Jays Top Prospects: #6 Devon Travis

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