Hagen Danner- Catcher
Hagen Danner was selected in the 2nd round, 61st overall by the Jays in the most recent amateur draft. The Jays inked Danner for $1.5 million nearly a half million over the $ 1,043,200 recommended slot value. The 19-year old Danner was a UCLA commit but opted to take his talents to the professional ranks.
Danner was tabbed by scouts as both a catcher and pitcher out of high school but the Jays have made a commitment to him being a backstop. The California native struggled in his first taste of pro ball hitting .160/.207/.248 with 20 hits, 2 homers and 20 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases in just 34 contests.
Danner projects as a power hitter with an above average arm behind the dish, he would touch low to mid 90’s when on the bump. Danner adds to a core of promising backstops in the Jays minor league ranks as he looks to shoot up the organizational depth chart in 2018.
The young catcher is someone to keep an eye on as he matures and gets his feet wet for an entire season. The Jays brain trust obviously saw a ton of potential when going over slot on the teenager, look for Danner to impress on the farm this summer.