Diego Cartaya - Scouting Report


Rank History
Year Team Position Team Rank OFP
2021 LAD C 3 50

Grades Update: Dec 2020
OFP Role Hit Power Field Arm Run
50 50 50 50 55 55 30

Dec 2020 Report

Evaluator: Wyatt Kleinberg

Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 199 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 IFA
RuleV: 2022

Physical Description: Cartaya is built athletically for a catcher. Despite showcasing below average speed, the 6'2'' 195 frame still has obvious room to grow. He likely projects into the 215lb range, and can add a lot of lower body strength as his body matures more.

Hit: Cartaya's greatest offensive asset is his hit tool. With a simple, short-to-the-ball approach, Cartaya prioritizes his ability to make solid contact over his potential power. While he does not get a lot of separation, a fast firing lower half and plus hands make him a solid potential hitter looking forward. Cartaya holds his bat vertically in his stance (similar to Acuna), which is helpful in getting the bat into the hitting zone quickly -- his slight leg kick works thanks to his ability to get his hands into the zone quickly. With feel for the barrel and a mature approach for his age, Cartaya has already started taking strides toward becoming an above average big league bat. However he doesn't project to walk at a high rate adding a level of volatility to the profile. There's some swing and miss concerns and ultimately he's a volatile profile as a teenage catching prospect. Grade: 50

Power: Cartaya's swing is not geared towards producing crazy power numbers. The simple, quick to the ball approach suggests that power is not his goal. However, with a solid weight transfer and powerful hips, plus power could be a byproduct. It is very difficult to project the future power of a 19 year old as he has not come into his body yet. However, based on what a typical player development cycle looks like for a guy of his build, it would be expected that he adds more weight, which will help him get more force behind the baseball. Cartaya has a pretty good sense of lifting the ball and with an approach focused solely on barreling up the baseball, 20 to 25 home runs are within the realm of possibility. Grade: 50

Field: Cartaya is already showing signs of being an above average backstop. He is pretty athletic for a guy of his size, moving behind the dish very well. While an expected mobility regression needs to be accounted for as he ages, Cartaya is an above average defender in regards to his blocking and fielding abilities. He's flashed good hands and his receiving skills are coming along. Cartaya while raw has a strong baseline of defensive skills and has the potential to become an above average big league defender with proper development. Grade: 55

Arm: Cartaya flashes an above average arm already, with plus potential. Not only is Cartaya's arm strong, but it is extremely accurate for someone new in his professional career. The solid pop time and above average overall arm will for the most part allow him to hold opposing running games in check. Grade: 55

Run: Despite being pretty athletic for a catcher, he's pretty subpar in the speed department. Adding weight as he matures into his body will also see him lose further speed. Grade: 30

Overall: Cartaya presents as a potential above average big league catcher. His hit tool looks as if it could end up being at least league average, anchored by his consistent and simple mechanics, along with a mature approach. While he may not be a massive offensive asset as a power bat, he more than makes up for it with plus defensive skills. It is very difficult to project 19-year-old bats before they have full seasons in the minors, but right now Cartaya looks like a guy that could fall into the average big leaguer range with a chance for more if the profile maxes out.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: High