Tanner Murphy

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #17 prospect in 2015
  The Braves wanted to improve their catching depth in the 2013 draft and achieved that feat in part by signing fourth-rounder Murphy for $250,000. Atlanta liked his solid yet projectable frame and raw strength that started to show itself last season at Rookie-level Danville. Murphy split his time in high school between pitching and catching and was clocked in the low 90s off the mound. His footwork has improved behind the plate but remains a work in progress in order to take full advantage of his above-average arm. Murphy moves well as far as blocking balls is concerned and shows a take-charge approach as a leader of the defense. His plus raw power should generate 15-20 home runs annually at higher levels. He has strong hands and forearms and shows a good feel for the strike zone. He has worked to shorten his swing, cutting his strikeout rate from his 2013 pro debut, and has developed more of a line-drive swing path. Murphy has a long road ahead but has the tools to develop into a major league catcher. He should move up to low Class A Rome in 2015.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #21 prospect in 2014
  Murphy signed with the Braves for $250,000 to bypass a Southern Illinois commitment. Some scouts questioned the talent level faced by Murphy as an amateur but liked the raw skills he displayed behind the plate and on the mound. Clocked in the low 90s as a pitcher, he attracted some teams as a potential hurler, but the Braves were intrigued with his physical tools. In addition to his plus arm strength, Murphy has a strong, solid frame with impressive power in his forearms and hands. While his footwork behind the plate needs work, he moves well for his size and shows the ability to take charge of a pitching staff. Murphy's frame suggests he should hit for above-average power as he gains experience, but he needs to cut down his long swing and level out his tendency to uppercut pitches. That will help him make more consistent contact. A high-risk/high-reward type of player, Murphy likely will open 2014 in extended spring training before reporting to Rookie-level Danville in mid-June.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #488 prospect in 2013 draft
  Aside from pitchers Devin Williams and Jake Brentz, who factor into the top three rounds, Murphy might be the most signable high school prospect in Missouri and thus could be the third one drafted. He has all the raw tools teams look for in a catcher, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder with the strength in his forearms and hands for power and in his arm to throw basestealers out. He'll need to adapt to better competition, as he has a long uppercut swing from the right side of the plate. His receiving needs refinement as well. Murphy's arm plays well on the mound too, with a fastball clocked in the low 90s that leads some clubs to consider him as a pitcher. He has committed to Southern Illinois.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked National League #15 prospect in 2014
  The Braves prioritized catching at the top of the 2013 draft, using their second-round pick on Victor Caratini and fourth-round pick on Murphy, who signed for $250,000 as the first player ever selected from his high school. After striking out in 30 percent of his plate appearances in the Gulf Coast League last summer, Murphy showed significant improvements with his hitting this summer by cutting his strikeout rate to 19.9 percent and showing the ability to hit to all fields. Murphy, who has a strong build, possesses at least average power potential with a chance to develop above-average power annually. He offers feel for the zone and secondary skills, walking in 15.7 percent of his plate appearances, the fourth-highest rate in the league and the highest of any teenager. His receiving has improved and gives him the skills to remain behind the plate. He blocks well and had the third-lowest passed ball rate (per inning caught) of all regulars in the league. His pure arm strength is at least above-average, but his footwork will have to improve to allow it to play; he threw out 24 percent of baserunners, while the league average was 29.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  The Braves wanted to improve their catching depth in the 2013 draft and achieved that feat in part by signing fourth-rounder Murphy for $250,000. Atlanta liked his solid yet projectable frame and raw strength that started to show itself last season at Rookie-level Danville. Murphy split his time in high school between pitching and catching and was clocked in the low 90s off the mound. His footwork has improved behind the plate but remains a work in progress in order to take full advantage of his above-average arm. Murphy moves well as far as blocking balls is concerned and shows a take-charge approach as a leader of the defense. His plus raw power should generate 15-20 home runs annually at higher levels. He has strong hands and forearms and shows a good feel for the strike zone. He has worked to shorten his swing, cutting his strikeout rate from his 2013 pro debut, and has developed more of a line-drive swing path. Murphy has a long road ahead but has the tools to develop into a major league catcher. He should move up to low Class A Rome in 2015.