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Georgia Tech Baseball: Jackets star catcher Joey Bart named top 2018 MLB Draft prospect

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07: A detailed view of the first overall pick of the Washington Nationals Bryce Harper on the draft board during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07: A detailed view of the first overall pick of the Washington Nationals Bryce Harper on the draft board during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Tech baseball star catcher Joey Bart has been named one of the MLB’s top prospects for next year’s MLB Draft.

If all goes to plan, the 2018 season will be Joey Bart’s last season at Georgia Tech. The junior catcher’s name has been circling through the scouting networks since he was in high school. Bart was one of the top catching prospects coming out of high school but his stern commitment to the Jackets eventually drove away teams, he would go onto be selected in the 27th round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015.

Now, Bart could be on the verge of being a first round draft pick next summer. According to MLB.com’s Prospect Watch, Bart is the 18th best player available in this year’s draft. A look at Bart’s collegiate career in terms of stats and achievements will tell you all you need to know about the 20-year catcher.

In 87 career games, Bart is a .297/.487/.361 hitter with 14 home runs and 74 RBI. Bart got off to a blazing start last season before going into a slump. His hot start earned him several mid season accolades last year including being a first-team All-American by several sites. Overall, Bart has had a solid collegiate career so far that has helped boost his draft stock tremendously since high school.

His draft profile on MLB.com raves about his abilities behind the plate including his great arm strength and ability to throw out runners who are looking to swipe a base. Obviously, Bart’s ability to hit for power is an asset but there are questions regarding his ability to hit for average at the next level.

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With another strong season, it wouldn’t be surprising for Bart to find himself in the first round of next year’s MLB Draft. If he does end up going in the first round, he would be just the 11th Yellow Jacket to be picked in the first round. He would also join two fellow Tech catchers to be drafted in the first round, those being Jason Varitek and Matt Wieters.