Miami Marlins: One catching prospect to keep an eye on in 2022

When the Miami Marlins entered the 2021 season, the organization did not have much notable catching depth in their minor league system, with the lone ranked prospect at the time being Will Banfield.

As you likely know however, that changed in 2021 as the Marlins drafted Joe Mack No. 31 overall in the MLB Draft, as well as acquired Payton Henry from the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline. Combine those two with fast-rising No. 29 prospect Nick Fortes, and Miami now has a system full of notable catching depth only a year later.

While all three of Mack, Henry, and Fortes are likely set for big 2022 seasons, there is another catching prospect currently ranked outside of Miami’s Top 30 that could emerge in that group in 2022.

Sam Praytor is a Miami Marlins prospect to watch in 2022

That prospect is 22-year-old catcher Sam Praytor, the Marlins sixth round pick from last year’s MLB Draft out of Alabama.

A four-year player for the Crimson Tide (missed all but six games in 2019 due to injury), Praytor is coming off a phenomenal 2021 season in which the 22-year-old slashed a combined .277/.375/.531 with a career-high 14 home runs and 48 RBI’s. Playing against elite competition in the SEC as well, Praytor was selected First Team All-SEC at seasons end, as well as Third Team All-American (Collegiate Baseball News) and a one-time SEC Player of the Week selection.

Despite only appearing in 23 games in 2021 (20 came with Low-A Jupiter) since joining the Marlins organization, Praytor posted a .707 OPS in his professional debut, as well as a 36% caught stealing percentage defensively. While it was limited action, Praytor did show some flashes offensively, most-notably with seven of his 15 hits going for extra-bases (all doubles).

One of the top hitting catchers in the Miami Marlins system, don’t be surprised if Praytor is set for a big 2022 season.