Josh Elander
| AB | 683 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .275 |
| OBP | .356 |
| SLG | .425 |
| HR | 17 |
- Full name Joshua Lucas Elander
- Born 03/19/1991 in Austin, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Texas Christian
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Drafted in the 6th round (209th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2012 (signed for $166,700).
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Pressed into catching duty with Team USA last summer after playing sporadically behind the plate in his first two college seasons, Elander got the job done defensively. Combined with enthusiasm about his bat and makeup, it seemed to give him a chance to be a first-round pick. Scouts continue to believe in his offensive potential, and while they laud his work ethic, they doubt he'll be able to catch in pro ball. A 6-foot-1, 215-pound righthanded hitter, Elander is starting to tap into his plus raw power while maintaining his discipline at the plate. He has average arm strength and a quick release, and he had thrown out 36 percent of basestealers through mid-May. He moves well behind the plate, too, but he has hard hands that lead to receiving issues. More athletic than most catchers and close to an average runner, he probably could handle the outfield and played primarily right field as a freshman. He has enough bat to profile on an outfield corner and to get drafted around the third round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Drafted as a catcher out of Texas Christian, Elander made his professional debut behind the plate at Rookie-level Danville in 2012. The Braves shifted him to left field during spring training 2013 and were pleased with the rapid adjustments he made to his new position. Elander moved well in the garden, showed acceptable range and displayed a strong arm for left field. His routes improved as the season progressed, and he demonstrated the potential to develop into an average defender. Elander's ceiling will be determined by his bat, which earned him a midseason promotion to the high Class A Carolina League. He has a quick hands and a compact righthanded swing with good bat speed. He had a consistent season as a run-producer, showing solid pull power, and he could add more pop to all fields as he gains experience. Elander controls the strike zone and runs the bases well, with an overall intelligence that enhances his feel for the game. Elander ought to make the jump to Double-A Mississippi in 2014. -
A strong summer behind the plate with the U.S. national college team put Elander in position to go in the first round of the 2012 draft, but he wasn't as strong defensively last spring and lasted until the sixth round. The Braves were pleased to land a hitter of his caliber for $166,700. Elander has a compact swing and a lot of bat speed, which combine to produce above-average pull power. He does a good job of keeping his hands back and controlling the strike zone. More athletic than most catchers, he's close to an average runner and has heady instincts on the bases. Elander moves well behind the plate and enhances a fringy arm with a quick release, throwing out 29 percent of basestealers in his pro debut. His hands are hard, however, and he doesn't project to receive well enough at the major league level. He played some right field in college and figures to wind up on an infield or outfield corner, perhaps as early as 2013. His bat is advanced enough to get him to high Class A in his first full pro season.
Draft Prospects
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Pressed into catching duty with Team USA last summer after playing sporadically behind the plate in his first two college seasons, Elander got the job done defensively. Combined with enthusiasm about his bat and makeup, it seemed to give him a chance to be a first-round pick. Scouts continue to believe in his offensive potential, and while they laud his work ethic, they doubt he'll be able to catch in pro ball. A 6-foot-1, 215-pound righthanded hitter, Elander is starting to tap into his plus raw power while maintaining his discipline at the plate. He has average arm strength and a quick release, and he had thrown out 36 percent of basestealers through mid-May. He moves well behind the plate, too, but he has hard hands that lead to receiving issues. More athletic than most catchers and close to an average runner, he probably could handle the outfield and played primarily right field as a freshman. He has enough bat to profile on an outfield corner and to get drafted around the third round.
