2016 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Depth: Catcher

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2014/15 off-season saw the Toronto Blue Jays sign one of the game’s best catchers in Russell Martin. Martin’s multi-million multi-year deal adds stability at a premium position.

It’s possible that neither of Russell Martin‘s back-ups in 2015 will be rejoining the Blue Jays in 2016. Dioner Navarro signed with the Chicago White Sox (good signing for CWS) and Josh Thole was non-tendered .

It is possible Thole’s services will be retained; however, if not Thole, than who?

***update-Thole signs with Jays (full article)****

Toronto Blue Jays minor league system isn’t stocked with viable option, especially at in the upper levels. New GM Ross Atkins will need to sign several catching free-agents (see Humberto Quintero signing), of the minor league variety and major league variety.

Until that time, I have amassed all of Toronto’s catching prospects still active on the farm.

Max Pentecost

The systems most highly touted catching prospect is Max Pentecost, who spent all of 2015 on the shelve after undergoing his second operation on his throwing shoulder (partial labrum tear)(see 2015 season wrap up). Pentecost showed a solid bat, with little power (wrist injury), and showed his athleticism behind the plate. When healthy, Max could be a guy that flies through the system.

Launch pad- If healthy to start the year, Max will start in Dunedin. If he gets a late start Vancouver or Lansing is more likely.

Next: Is 2016 the Year for AJ Jimenez?