Bruce Maxwell

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #10 prospect in 2017
  When the A's took him with the 62nd overall pick in 2012, Maxwell became the highest-drafted Division III player since Jason Hirsh in 2003. Primarily a first baseman in college, Maxwell embraced catching as a pro with his characteristic enthusiasm. His improvement behind the plate prompted Oakland to call him up in July when Stephen Vogt took family medical leave. He stuck on the big league roster the rest of the season. Maxwell has an above-average throwing arm, with improved accuracy, and pitchers praise his framing skills. He threw out 39 percent of basestealers at Triple-A Nashville in 2016, though he went 0-for-8 in the majors. Maxwell has soft hands and does a good job keeping pitches in front of him--a vast improvement from 2012, when he had 18 passed balls in 38 games. At the plate, Maxwell has plenty of strength, and his lefthanded swing takes a good plane through the zone. He has enough bat speed and selectivity, and he started to produce solid power numbers in 2016. He's a below-average, base-clogging runner. Vogt has been a fine bat-first catcher at a low price for Oakland, and Maxwell could at least compete with Josh Phegley as the big league backup. He's the most likely in-house replacement option for Vogt.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #28 prospect in 2014
  Maxwell dominated NCAA Division III competition, and the Athletics made him the highest-drafted D-III player since Jason Hirsh in 2003 when they chose him 62nd overall in 2012. Primarily a first baseman in college, Maxwell was drafted as a catcher, but his receiving isn't pretty. His 17 passed balls in 83 games in 2013 were a vast improvement on 18 in just 38 games in 2012. His hands and agility have improved, and he's embraced the work it takes to get better. Opponents ran on him because a hitch in his throwing motion mitigates his average arm strength, and he caught just 16 percent of the 103 basestealers who tested him last year at low Class A Beloit and high Class A Stockton. Maxwell's swing takes a good plane through the zone, and he has the physicality and bat speed to produce solid power numbers. He controls the plate well, and the A's believe all his work on his defense detracted a bit from his offense. If his catching works out, Maxwell offers outstanding value as a capable lefty-hitting catcher. He may start 2014 back at Stockton but could move quicker considering the organization's lack of catching depth.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #23 prospect in 2013
  Maxwell topped NCAA Division III in both home runs (15) and slugging percentage (.918) last spring en route to being the highest drafted D-III player, at 62nd overall, since Jason Hirsh went 59th overall in 2003. He signed for $700,000. If he can stick behind the plate, he makes for an intriguing package as a lefthanded-hitting catcher with power. Maxwell has a physical frame and hits home runs without selling out. He uses a level, efficient swing with an up-the-middle approach. The A's worked with him in instructional league to utilize his legs more, and they hope to see him pull more balls with authority. He didn't go deep in his pro debut but they know the power is there. Maxwell played both first base and catcher in college, and he has a long way to go behind the plate. He committed 18 passed balls in 41 pro games, a testament to how raw he is as a receiver. The A's have revamped his set-up and the positioning of his mitt. He does have a solid arm and threw out 33 percent of basestealers. His lack of agility and speed make first base his only other defensive option. Maxwell could spend his first full pro season in low Class A, giving him a chance to improve his defense and get his bat going.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #415 prospect in 2012 draft
  Maxwell hit his way into one of Division III's top prospects. The lefthanded hitter has strength in his 6-foot-2, 230-pound body and surprising feel for hitting. He lacks athleticism but has arm strength. He's caught enough in college to merit a look behind the plate, but scouts doubt his agility back there. He may wind up as a slugging first baseman.

• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: When the A's took him with the 62nd overall pick in 2012, Maxwell became the highest-drafted Division III player since Jason Hirsh in 2003. Primarily a first baseman in college, Maxwell embraced catching as a pro with his characteristic enthusiasm. His improvement behind the plate prompted Oakland to call him up in July when Stephen Vogt took family medical leave. He stuck on the big league roster the rest of the season. Scouting Report: Maxwell has an above-average throwing arm, with improved accuracy, and pitchers praise his framing skills. He threw out 39 percent of basestealers at Triple-A Nashville in 2016, though he went 0-for-8 in the majors. Maxwell has soft hands and does a good job keeping pitches in front of him--a vast improvement from 2012, when he had 18 passed balls in 38 games. At the plate, Maxwell has plenty of strength, and his lefthanded swing takes a good plane through the zone. He has enough bat speed and selectivity, and he started to produce solid power numbers in 2016. He's a below-average, base-clogging runner.
  
  The Future: Vogt has been a fine bat-first catcher at a low price for Oakland, and Maxwell could at least compete with Josh Phegley as the big league backup. He's the most likely in-house replacement option for Vogt.