ST. PETERSBURG — Oregon State’s Adley Rutschman can become the first catcher taken No. 1 overall since 2001 tonight as this year’s MLB first-year player draft opens.
The Baltimore Orioles have the first overall pick and despite 11th-hour reports that have haven’t settled on Rutschman, it will be difficult for them to pass on the all-around talent.
Drafting catchers so high is a risk because it’s difficult to project their success at the catching position. It’s the most difficult defensive transition in the game, because the responsibility includes being a leader behind the plate, game calling, handling a pitching staff, controlling the running game and pitch framing.