Name: Andrew Knapp
Position: C
Bats: Switch
Throws: R
DOB: 11/9/91
Height: 6’1
Weight: 175
Drafted: 2nd Round of the 2013 draft (53rd overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies
Hit: After struggling to hit his first two years, Knapp broke out on the Cape and in his junior year. A switch hitter Knapp shows the ability to be an above average hitter long term. Knapp was on of the most polished bats in the 2013 draft and should reach his potential quickly. 45/55
Power: Knapp showed on the Cape during his junior year that his bat had good power. In Williamsport he showed middling power, but if he turns some doubles into home runs he could play with above average power. 45/55
Arm: In college Knapp showed above average arm strength both behind the plate and in right field. In professional ball Knapp played limited innings behind the plate due to elbow soreness and at the end of the season he was forced to have Tommy John surgery. Knapp won’t be able to throw until the middle of the season and he will be eased back in at that time. ?/55
Glove: Knapp is raw behind the plate having not been a full time catcher until his junior season. His receiving skills will need reps, but scouts think that he has the work ethic to make it work. The glove will take some work and time, and it won’t be a carrying tool but he should be able to stick behind the plate. 35/50
Speed: Knapp is a below average runner. He isn’t a liability on the base paths, but it might limit his outfield defense if he can’t stick at catcher. 40
Overall: Knapp was billed as a polished offensive catcher and so far has been a slight disappointment. If he can get back on the field and prove himself defensively than he can be a useful major league player. Knapp’s ceiling is less than other members of the 2013 draft class but his ceiling is as an above average major league regular if it all comes together.
Update: Prior to the 2016 season, Knapp was ranked as the 18th best prospect in an improved organization. His MLB Scouting grades seem a little harsh: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 30 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45. Knapp posted good numbers in Clearwater in 2015 including steady improvement behind the plate. He broke out for an extended period at Reading after a mid-season promotion. Specifically, I would rate his hit tool slightly higher (50) as well as his Run tool (40). He is more likely to end up at first base if he doesn’t stick at catcher, where his speed is much less of a factor.
Video:
Phuture Phillies 