The 2022 MLB draft class features a deep and talented crop of college catchers. Right now, scouts project Georgia Tech’s Kevin Parada, Arizona’s Daniel Susac, and Mississippi’s Hayden Dunhurst as first-round picks and Mississippi State’s Logan Tanner as a second-round pick.
The four catchers are all well-regarded prospects. Parada and Susac are in the early discussion of going in the first five picks of the 2022 draft due to their present skills and upside.
Below are scouting reports of Parada and Susac, detailing why scouts are eager about both their skills and potentials.
Kevin Parada, Georgia Tech
Parada was a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school in 2020. But high bonus demands caused Parada to make it to campus last year.
Now a draft-eligible sophomore, Parada is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound catcher who has an athletic stance and smooth and easy swing. He uses a mature approach and drives the ball to all fields with authority. He displays an impressive ability to hit for average and power.
Behind the plate, Parada has above-average arm strength and solid athleticism. He has made strides defensively in his time at Georgia Tech, including improving his receiving skills. Parada has started using a one-knee catching stance when the hitter’s count is less than two strikes.
Parada is an offensive-first player. But his improvements defensively and overall potential will keep him behind the plate long-term. He is an advanced player, both physically and mentally.
Daniel Susac, Arizona
Susac is a well-rounded catcher who can impact the game offensively and defensively. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound catcher is a switch-hitter who hits for average and power. He has solid strike zone discipline and a feel for hitting. He is known for his offensive abilities, as he can drive the ball to all fields with plenty of power.
While he is more advanced offensively, Susac is a respectable defensive catcher and will stick at the position long-term. He has above-average arm strength and athleticism, which allows him to move well behind the plate.
His brother Andrew was a second-round pick in the 2011 draft and played parts of six seasons in the major leagues. Susac will likely go higher than his older brother when this year’s draft rolls around. Susac is a draft-eligible sophomore who has upside offensively and defensively.
Final Thoughts
Both catchers are offensive-first players who have solid defensive skills and should be well-rounded players in the pro ranks. Scouts are split on which catcher they prefer, but all scouts agree Parada and Susac are the top backstops and potential top-five picks in this year’s draft.
