The road from draft day to the major leagues is often long for catchers. Such was the case for Detroit Tigers backstop Dillon Dingler. A popular second round, 38th overall, selection back in the shortened 2020 draft, Dingler took years to slowly start to put things together offensively. Finally, after a major breakout with the bat at the Triple-A level, he’s in position to help the Tigers as they look to claw their way back to the postseason.
From the beginning, Dingler had uniquely good athleticism for a catcher. Despite his powerful build, he played some center field in his days at Ohio State, and that blend of speed, agility, arm strength, and power, has held up during his four-year tenure in the minor leagues.