Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Sports Events Guide is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Clemson
Position: C
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 195
Bats: R
Throws: R
Chris Okey 2016 MLB Draft Profile
The Clemson catcher comes from a family of athletes. His father, Chuck, was a linebacker at Presbyterian College and his mother, Kim, was a Clemson cheerleader. After attending Eustis High School in Florida, Okey was originally drafted in the 31st Round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He was a member of 2014 USA Collegiate National Team and first Clemson catcher since Matt LeCroy to be named First-Team All-ACC.
Strengths:
- Quick bat, can turn around anyone’s fastball
- Gap-to-gap power
- Athletic catcher
- Arm strength
Weaknesses:
- Needs polishing behind plate
- Pitch calling, as with many college catchers
MLB Comparison: Mike Zunino, Seattle Mariners
Projected Pick Range: 22-30
Most Likely Landing Spot: San Diego Padres
Bottom Line
Okey has a plus bat at a premium position. He’s shown durability while at Clemson, playing at least 54 games every season with the Tigers. Okey possesses the ability to remain behind the plate, but also the athleticism to change positions if his bat forces the issue. The Zunino comparison can be a bit scary, but is more of a cautionary tale. If Okey is not rushed to the big leagues like Zunino was by the Mariners, and is given time to develop his bat at the minor league level, he can make a serious impact on a big league lineup very soon.
Sources: Clemson Athletics, Baseball America, The Baseball Cube
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