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Nick Ciuffo is an energetic high school catcher from South Carolina who projects to stay at the position as long as health permits. Ciuffo has earned praise for his strong receiving skills and solid arm strength behind the plate, though his arm action is a little long.
Offensively, Ciuffo possesses sought-after left-handed power thanks to sound swing mechanics. He can be pull-happy at times according to some scouts, but has the quick-and-simple swing necessary to adjust well once pro coaches get a hold of him.
Ciuffo is a fiery competitor to the point where he's earned negative marks from scouts, but if there is a position on the field in which such a characterization might be acceptable, catcher is it.
Vital statistics
| Nick Ciuffo |
||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | High School / College | Consensus Rank |
| C | Lexington HS (S.C.) |
1st round (Rays) |
| B/T | Birthdate (age) | Height / Weight |
| L/R | March 7, 1995 (18) |
6'1 / 200 pounds |
What they're saying
- Matt Garrioch, Minor League Ball: "All the pitching prospects lining up in the Pittsburgh system need someone to catch them. Ciuffo may be the best all around catcher in this class and could develop quicker than a lot of prep catchers because of his present skills."
- Keith Law, ESPN: "There are no locks a week out in this (or just about any) draft, but most sources I ask seem to think the Rays will take Ciuffo if he is here and no major names fall this far."
- Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com: "Left-handed-hitting catchers are always a hot commodity, and Ciuffo has the chance to really hit at the next level, both for average and power. Scouts love his strength both at the plate and behind it."