C.J. Stubbs

Stubbs, the younger brother of Astros catcher Garrett Stubbs, began his college career as a pitcher before having Tommy John surgery and converting to catching. He caught for the first time this spring and showed impressive aptitude behind the plate, ably handling a young Southern California pitching staff and throwing out nearly half of attempted basestealers. Stubbs has a durable, strong body (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and the athleticism to stay behind the plate. His receiving and blocking continue to improve the more reps he gets and he has the arm strength to control the run game. Stubbs hit above .300 most of the season, finishing the year hitting .285/.378/.466. He has a chance to grow into above-average power. Stubbs' physicality, makeup and growing defensive skills have teams interested early on the draft’s third day.