The Cubs Have The Best Defensive Minor League Catcher In 2019
The Cubs have an interesting decision to make with 23-year-old catching prospect Jhonny Pereda, who will be a minor league free agent this offseason. His offense took a big step back this year, but Pereda’s defense was top notch and on Monday he was named the best defensive catcher in the minor leagues, winning the gold glove for all minor league catchers.
Since signing with the Cubs in 2013, Pereda has thrown out 60% of base stealers.
In 2018, Pereda slashed .272/.347/.363, with 51 walks and only 68 strikeouts. Unfortunately, those numbers declined in 2019, when he posted a .641 OPS and only hit two home runs in 98 games at Double-A.
Nevertheless, Pereda has developed into a solid defensive catcher, but the Cubs may not be able to afford to spend more time trying to wait and see if Pereda’s bat can take the next step.
Again, Pereda will be a free agent and the Cubs could still try and re-sign him and unless the Cubs add him to their 40-man roster, which is highly unlikely, Pereda will be available in the Rule 5 Draft.