Prospect Profile: Anthony Seigler
While Brian Cashman claims he views Gary Sanchez as “part of our solution” for the Yankees’ future, they have once again found themselves a top catching prospect to be excited about. The Yankees picked up Anthony Seigler with the 23rd pick in the 2018 draft. The versatile young player has a way to go before he gets a chance in the Big Leagues, but he quickly found high self high on the Yankees’ Top Prospect lists.
Name: Anthony Seigler Birthdate: June 20, 1999 Position: Catcher Bats/Throws: S/S Height: 6’0 Weight: 200
The Georgia native had committed to the University of Florida, but there was no doubt that he was going to start his professional career as soon as possible. Sure enough, he signed five days after the Yankees drafted him, netting a $2.8 million bonus.
Much like former Yankee farmhand, Pat Venditte, Seigler was a switch pitcher able to throw adeptly with either arm. His longterm future, however, was always behind the plate, not on the mound.
Seigler started his pro career with the Yankees’ Gulf Coast League team, eventually moving to the Pulaski Yankees. He missed a couple weeks due to a hamstring injury and then missed the last week when he caught a foul tip with his face, causing a concussion. Still, the youngster put together a solid first stint in Rookie Ball and should be primed for an exciting first full season come Spring.
In twelve games in both Pulaski and the GCL, Seigler put up a slash line of .266/.379/.342/.721. He had three doubles and a homer, drawing fourteen walks and striking out twelve times. He scored eleven runs and drove in nine RBIs.
Seigler is a true switch hitter, able to hit more for power from the left. He uses the entire field and has good strike zone discipline. Seigler projects to hit for average, but given his solid size and youth, if he can build some strength he could put together double digit homers. For a catcher, his average speed makes him almost fast on the bases.
Defensively, Seigler is a strong catcher. He is very athletic and has a good arm, good framing and receiving skills and solid baseball instinct. Seigler has the potential to play any number of positions, if catcher doesn’t work out. He has also been praised for his work ethic, apparently even requesting a Spanish speaking roommate so he could work on his Spanish. Overall, he should be a very exciting player to watch over the next few years as he makes his way to the Bronx.
