Max Pentecost
Rank: 19
Kennesaw State, Junior
Height: 6'2", Weight: 190
Position: C
DOB: 3/10/1993
Bats: R, Throws: R
Prev. drafted: 2011, 7th (234) - TEX
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Though Pentecost required surgery to repair a stress fracture in his throwing arm as a high school senior, the Rangers still drafted him in the seventh round in 2011 and nearly signed him. His decision to attend Kennesaw State could make him the first college catcher selected in 2014, as he's coming off a summer in which he was MVP of the Cape Cod League and led the premier college summer circuit with a .962 OPS.
Pentecost, a rare catcher who could have average or better tools across the board, has a chance to hit for solid average and power. He has a quick right-handed bat, and while his hitting skills have been more evident than his pop, he did hit six homers on the Cape with wood bats.
His receiving skills still need work, though Pentecost should be able to remain behind the plate. He has the requisite arm strength for a catcher, though he can improve his accuracy. He runs better than most backstops and has average speed overall.