D-backs select C Stryker Trahan with 26th overall pick in MLB draft
Jun 5, 2012, 12:50 AM | Updated: 3:44 am
The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted catcher Stryker Trahan from Acadiana High School in Louisiana with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the MLB draft Monday.
According to ESPN.com, Stryker was dubbed as the nation’s top high school catcher and eighth-best high school prospect.
The 6’1″, 220-pound left-handed hitter has the athleticism, competitiveness and potential power that teams covet.
“Stryker’s offensive profile for behind the dish is certainly a commodity,” D-backs Director of Scouting Ray Montgomery told reporters. “He is a kid we’ve watched for two-plus years now, and we feel he has a chance to be an impactful offensive player.”
Trahan needs some maturation behind the plate but has the makeup to be successful at the position. He needs to work on refining his receiving skills while improving his footwork and blocking ability.
Still, the young backstop’s frame and swing is garnering comparisons to Atlanta Braves All-Star catcher Brian McCann.
“If you look at his body type, he’s big, strong, physical, has loft to his swing like [Brian] McCann does and we’d be elated if he became what McCann is,” D-backs Executive Vice President & General Manager Kevin Towers said.
There’s no doubt Trahan’s bat takes center stage and should get him a call to the big leagues.
“[The swing] has a chance to be pretty good, above average for sure and then I think there’s power in there to come,” Montgomery stated.
Despite scouting reports that suggest he would be better suited in the outfield, due to his above average speed and strong arm, the D-backs seem committed to keeping Trahan behind the dish.
“Obviously he’s going to have to have some work to do back there but I think you could say that about pretty much anybody that comes through the system as a high school kid and have to catch the type of arms he’s going to catch now,” Montgomery said. “But I think with the bat profile where it is and the position he plays and the fact that he hits left-handed, that’s a pretty good package and I am very, very happy to get it at 26.”
Trahan is committed to attend Mississippi but the D-backs feel he is a signable pick.
The 18-year-old batted .460 with 5 home runs, 31 RBI and 39 runs scored his senior year.
