Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: C Sam Praytor

The Miami Marlins sixth round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Alabama, catcher Sam Praytor made his professional debut during the 2021 season. A 2021 First-Team All-SEC selection, Praytor could be set for a big 2022 season that could potentially see the 22-year-old cemented as one of the Marlins top catching prospects.

Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: C Sam Praytor

After an impressive 2021 collegiate season, Praytor would make his professional debut with the FCL Marlins on August 6 going 1-for-2 with a double. Praytor’s time with the FCL Marlins would not last long however as the backstop would only appear in two more games before joining Low-A Jupiter.

Joining the Hammerheads on August 12, Praytor would collect a hit in his first game in Low-A going 1-for-4 with a double. The 22-year-old would however struggle at times to finish the month of August slashing .188/.357/.250 with two RBI’s across 11 games.

Those immediate struggles in Low-A would however change for Praytor as he would turn in an impressive month of September by collecting a hit in seven of nine games played. Across that span, Praytor would slash a combined .259/.394/.407 which included seven total hits, four of which were doubles.

For the 2021 season overall, Praytor would appear in a total of 23 games between the FCL Marlins and Low-A Jupiter which included a .227/.373/.333 slash line with four RBI’s. Making a total of 83 plate appearances, Praytor would collect a total of 15 hits, seven of which were doubles, as well as drawing 12 walks compared to 21 strikeouts.

Also seeing action in 19 games behind the plate, Praytor posted a .988% fielding percentage, as well as a 33% caught stealing percentage.

Overall, Praytor certainly impressed in a limited sample-size in what was his first-ever professional action. Looking ahead to the 2022 season, Praytor could be set for a big breakout campaign next year, one that will likely begin in either Low-A Jupiter or High-A Beloit.