Jon Denney
Height: 6'2
Weight: 205 lbs
DOB: 9/28/1994
High School: Yukon High School (Oklahoma)
Committed to: Arkansas
Signing Date: 6/14/13
Signing Bonus: $875,000.00
Pick/Slot: 81/$671,200.00
Position: Catcher
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
BA Draft Class Rank: 25
Soxprospects.com Initial Rank: 16
Baseball America snippets:
mlb.com snippet:
Over The Monster Article
ESPN Article
Denny will be starting the season with the club's GCL affiliate the Gulf Coast Red Sox. (Jet Blue Park)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 205 lbs
DOB: 9/28/1994
High School: Yukon High School (Oklahoma)
Committed to: Arkansas
Signing Date: 6/14/13
Signing Bonus: $875,000.00
Pick/Slot: 81/$671,200.00
Position: Catcher
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
BA Draft Class Rank: 25
Soxprospects.com Initial Rank: 16
Baseball America snippets:
The Red Sox have agreed to terms on an $875,000 bonus with third-rounder Jonathan Denney, contingent on him passing a physical. That’s well in excess of the $671,200 assigned value for his No. 81 slot and more reflective of his status as the draft’s third-best catcher.
Among backstops, Denney ranked behind only first-round choices Ryan McGuire (No. 14, Pirates) and Nick Ciuffo (No. 21, Rays). Denney had a chance to go in the first round as well but unexpectedly lasted until the second day of the draft.
A product of Yukon (Okla.) High, Denney starred on the showcase circuit last summer, repeatedly showing above-average power. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder also has solid arm strength and still is cleaning up his receiving. He had committed to Arkansas.
Denney established himself as a potential first-round pick with his performance on the showcase circuit last summer, highlighted by a 431-foot homer at the Area Code Games and a 2-for-3 day with a double at the Under Armour All-American Game. Denney's calling card is his righthanded power, which he generates with quality bat speed and strength. He may have to tone down his aggressive approach when he faces better pitching in college (he's an Arkansas recruit) or pro ball, however. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder should provide enough offense to profile at first base if he can't stick at catcher, but that shouldn't be an issue. Denney has solid arm strength, though he needs to refine his footwork to get the most out of his throws. He has the hands to be an effective receiver and moves well behind the plate. Denney's bat speed and stock were down a little, but he still has a good chance to become just the second Oklahoma high school catcher taken in the first round, after Darrell Porter was the No. 4 overall choice in 1970.
mlb.com snippet:
Scouting Grades* (present/future): Hit: 4/6 | Power: 5/6 | Run: 4/4 | Arm: 6/6 | Field: 4/5 | Overall: 4/6
In a deep class of high school catchers, there might be other names who have gotten more attention to date, but Denney could be as good, if not better, than all of them when all is said and done.
Denney has the complete package for the position, with advanced receiving skills and a plus arm. He has some power in his bat as well and showed off his offensive skills at the Area Code Games over the summer.
He continued showing all-around ability both at and behind the plate during his senior year, moving him past other prep backstops on this list.
Over The Monster Article
ESPN Article
Denny will be starting the season with the club's GCL affiliate the Gulf Coast Red Sox. (Jet Blue Park)
Jon Denney #26 @jondenney26
Headed to Florida!! Starting Rookie ball in Jet Blue Stadium! #blessed#excitedtostartmydream twitter.com/jondenney26/st…