CLE
Dillon Dingler, C
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Scouting report
Dingler was in the midst of a breakout campaign at Ohio State during the spring of 2020, putting up at 1.164 OPS in 13 games before the pandemic shut everything down. Catchers tend to go early in the draft, and the Tigers were surprised to see him still on the board with the first pick of the second round; they quickly signed him to the slot-recommended bonus of just under $2 million. Dingler checks a lot of boxes scouts look for in future big league catchers, combining size and strength with above-average athleticism for the position. He has a decent approach and solid hand-eye coordination, and some scouts see average or better power developing in the future after he hit five home runs in 13 games last spring; he entered the year having notched just seven over 102 games as a freshman and sophomore with the Buckeyes. Setting up with a slightly closed stance, Dingler’s swing can get a bit lengthy and uphill, leaving him susceptible to balls in the upper half of the zone, but he nonetheless projects as an above-average offensive contributor for the position. He needs to work on some of the physical intricacies of catching, but arrives to pro ball with all of the intangibles in terms of leadership and game management. His arm is plus, with consistent sub-2.00 pop times, but he can take some time to unfold his big frame and let it fly. Spending time with the big league club this spring, Dingler has a chance to move quickly and has taken the mantle as Detroit’s catcher of the future. (Alternate site)