Fernando Gonzalez

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #381 prospect in 2023 draft
  School: Georgia Source: 4YR
  
  Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
  Age At Draft: 21.6
  Georgia could have a pair of catchers drafted among the top 10 rounds in 2023 between Corey Collins and Gonzalez. Gonzalez is the defensive-oriented backstop of the program, and was viewed as one of the most advanced catch-and-throw backstops in the 2020 prep class, when he ranked as the No. 339 prospect overall. He still stands out for his quiet hands and receiving ability behind the dish and scouts think highly of how he’s able to handle a pitching staff, though he doesn’t earn the same plus arm strength grades he once did as a prepster. He still makes quick and accurate throws, however, and has a history of controlling the running game nicely. The bat is the big question with Gonzalez, and will likely cap his big league upside as a defensive-oriented backup barring improvement. He’s a career .248/.341/.400 hitter with Georgia and never homered more than six times in a season, with a career 16.3% strikeout rate and 10.5% walk rate.
• Ranked #339 prospect in 2020 draft
  One of the more advanced catch-and-throw backstops in the prep class, Gonzalez stood out last summer for his plus arm strength and receiving skills. He showed excellent carry and accuracy on his throws at East Coast Pro, and also showed some pull-side pop in batting practice. Gonzalez’s bat still has room for improvement. Scouts like the quality of his at-bats and his simple righthanded swing, but he can get overly aggressive and get himself out on bad pitches rather than driving the ball with authority and consistency. Gonzalez is committed to Georgia and could be a bigger name with an improved offense at the college level, though no one doubts his ability behind the plate.