- Full name Brandol Emilio Mezquita
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Gutierrez has been on scouts' radars since he was an 11-year-old catcher at the 12U World Championship in Taiwan. Three years later, at the age of 14, he was Venezuela's starting catcher at the 15U World Cup in Mexico. He trained at Carlos Guillen's academy and continued to attract attention, though many scouts felt his progress began to level off. The Braves believed otherwise and signed Gutierrez for $3.5 million in 2016 when the international signing period opened on July 2. The thick-bodied receiver does not run well but flashes plus arm strength and raw power potential, and the Braves believe he should develop into at least an average hitter and defender. Gutierrez has good hands and solid catch-and-throw skills with above-average accuracy on his throws. At the plate, his swing tends to get long and he will expand his strike zone. Gutierrez does a good job using the entire field and is projected to be a run producer as he gains experience. He could move quickly once he builds a foundation in pro ball. After a stint in extended spring training, Gutierrez may open the 2017 season in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.
