2016 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Depth: Catcher

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bisons

A.J. Jimenez 25-yrs-old

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Jimenez was drafted in the 9th round of the ’08 draft. Once a highly regarded catching prospect, he has seen his stock fall due to an inability to stay healthy. The talent is still there. A.J. has a strong, accurate arm behind the plate, a youthful love for the game, and the skills to be an everyday catcher at the major league level.

First, he needs to stay healthy. 2015 was another year of injures. He was placed on the disabled list on April 6th for 10 days and again on June 4th for the remainder of 2015.

In 28 games between Buffalo and New Hampshire, Jimenez caught 27 games allowing 4 passed balls (PB) and 22 stolen bases (SB) and and .991 fielding percentage (Fld%). A.J. used his premium arm to catch 11, throwing out 33% (CS%)of stolen base attempts.

For his career Jimenez has successfully thrown out 40% stolen base attempts in 429 games.

Jimenez will never hit for much power in the majors, but should hit enough for a .230-260 batting average. Between Triple-A and Double-A, Jimenez hit only .194 with 7 doubles, a triple, 9RBI, 9BB, 18K in 108 AB’s.

Launching pad- If healthy, it is very possible you are looking at the Toronto Blue Jays next back up catcher. Since health in not A.J.’s BFF, back to Buffalo he goes.

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New Hampshire

Derrick Chung 27-yrs-old

This is one of my favorite players. He has a cannon of an arm, athletic behind the plate, and a grinder. Unfortunately, like Pentecost and Jimenez,  Chung missed a chuck of time to injury in 2015.

Derrick started the season on the DL after spending sometime with the Jays in spring training. He was activated on July 15th, playing for the D-Jays between July 25th and August 4th. Derrick spent the rest of August as the Fisher Cats starting catcher and hit .282 with 6 doubles, 8RBI, 12 BB, 8K in 24 games.

Behind the plate, Derrick allowed 2PB, 15SB, 29CS%, .995Fld% in 29 games.

Launching pad- Chung should be backing Jimenez up in Buffalo or which ever veteran depth FA is signed.

Martin Medina 25-yrs-old

Medina was acquired from Chicago White Sox on June 5^th. He hit .206 5 doubles, 2 triples, a HR, 11RBI, 16BB, 42K in 50 games.

Behind the plate, Martin allowed 6PB, 40SB, 18CS% and .990Fld%.

Launching pad- Medina should get most of the reps in NH.

Next: What's down in A-Ball?