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Atlanta Braves Top 100 Prospect Scouting Report: 33. Lucas Herbert

By Benjamin Chase

Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Christian C. Betancourt digs a ball out of the dirt during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Christian C. Betancourt digs a ball out of the dirt during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a catchers mitt prior to a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a catchers mitt prior to a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Future Outlook


Herbert’s inconsistencies in his approach at the plate makes me think that he should be spending the rest of the season, regardless of results from here forward, in Rome. He needs to find a consistent approach at the plate, from stance to swing.

He’s advanced defensively, though, and that may carry him forward next year, if not even this year, especially if he’s paired with Jonathan Morales going forward who can be a primary bat and give him a couple days off each week to focus on the bat. The glove could force its way to Carolina at the end of this season, but I really would rather see him get a full season to let the bat catch up to the prowess on the defensive side.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

Herbert and Tanner Murphy are the two best defensive catchers in the system, and while Murphy’s bat is likely going to be more of a “power only” sort, Herbert has the chance to have some true skill as a guy who could hit for average and power, but Braves fans shouldn’t get too caught up in thinking Herbert is going to be a .300/30 sort of hitter.

He’s got a hit tool that’s more like a .260-.280 sort of guy with top end power in the 15-20 homer range, but with his elite defense, that could play very, very well.

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