Tyler Stephenson Stats & Scouting Report

AB	457
AVG	.258
OBP	.338
SLG	.444
HR	19

Full name Tyler Robert Stephenson
Born 08/16/1996 in Atlanta, GA
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Kennesaw Mountain
Debut 07/27/2020
Drafted in the 1st round (11th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 (signed for $3,141,600).

View Draft Report

Stephenson didn't attend many of the big summer showcases last year, instead focusing on playing summer ball in the competitive East Cobb program. That kept him out of the spotlight, but not off of scouts' radars, and he also was one of the stars of the WWBA World Championships last fall. He missed a few weeks this spring due to an oblique injury, but played well in his return and subsequently shot up draft boards, even generating some buzz as a potential first overall pick. In a class that is light on catching, the Georgia Tech commit stands out. Stephenson is big for a catcher (listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds), but he is an excellent defender. He is very quiet behind the plate and frames pitches well thanks to his strong, soft hands. He has plus arm strength and once he gets his footwork down has the potential to be an above-average defender. Offensively, he creates raw power thanks to his strength. There is some length to his swing and he didn't hit all that well with a wood bat last summer. But his advanced skills behind the plate will allow a team to be patient has he figures things out offensively.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.

TRACK RECORD: Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Stephenson made his major league debut in 2020 and homered in his first at-bat. After a breather at the alternate training site, he returned to Cincinnati a month later and hit a walk-off home run in his fifth game. It was a fitting reward after an injury-filled minor league career. Stephenson had missed time with a concussion, wrist injury and thumb injury.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson fits the model of the bat-first catcher. His swing is quite compact for someone with long arms, and he has toned down the bat waggle and leg kick he had early in his pro career. The changes may sap his power to a minor extent, but they have helped him make more consistent contact. Stephenson recognizes spin well for a young hitter and altogether shows the attributes of an above-average hitter with average power. Stephenson’s pitch framing and blocking behind the plate have improved to average, but his game-calling needs work. His long arm action on his throws takes away from his plus arm strength.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson’s bat is major league-ready, but his defense isn’t. If the National League has the DH again in 2021, it would help Stephenson get regular at-bats in the majors while continuing to polish his catching.
TRACK RECORD: Stephenson was derailed by injuries for much of his first two seasons, including a concussion, wrist surgery and a sprained thumb. He stayed healthy in 2018 and showed defensive chops in the high Class A Florida State League, then took a step forward offensively in 2019. Stephenson's .372 on-base percentage ranked sixth among batters who had at least 300 plate appearances in the Double-A Eastern League.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson has good feel for the strike zone with an average hit tool and an excellent approach. He starts his swing with a small leg kick and modest load before firing his hands through the zone to produce loud contact and average power. He rarely chases out of the strike zone and works his walks. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Stephenson has a large frame behind the dish. He has solid hands but will have to continue to work on his receiving and framing skills. He has plus arm strength but doesn't always get a good release—he threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2019.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson's arm and offensive potential will be enticing if he can stick behind the plate. Some are concerned a lack of mobility may push him to first base or left field.
Track Record: The most important statistic for Stephenson in 2018 was his total of 97 games caught. His 2016 season was derailed by a concussion and sore left wrist, which ultimately required surgery. He missed much of the second half of 2017 with a sprained thumb. So he and the Reds were thrilled to see Stephenson lead the high Class A Florida State League in games caught, putouts and fielding percentage (.996).

Scouting Report: Stephenson’s big frame works behind the plate because of his strength and athleticism, though his size means he’s less nimble than a smaller backstop. He still has work to do with his game-calling. His arm grades out as plus, even though his footwork and release can hinder his throwing from time to time--he threw out 24 percent of basestealers in 2018. At the plate, Stephenson has the potential to be an average hitter with average power. His swing starts with a minor leg kick leading into a modest load of the hands before driving the barrel through the zone.

The Future: With a big arm and enough athleticism to play every day at catcher, Stephenson is one of the rare prospects who can contribute both offensively and defensively as a catcher.
Stephenson's second full season ended the same as his first on the disabled list at low Class A Dayton. In 2016, he suffered a concussion that caused him to miss time and then a right wrist injury that required surgery. Stephenson's 2017 season ended prematurely with a thumb injury suffered while sliding into second base. He returned in time for instructional league, giving the Reds a sense of optimism going forward. While Stephenson struggled in his first full year, he showed a better eye at the plate in his return to Dayton. His plus power potential is real, even if he hasn't put up eye-popping home run totals so far. His large frame oozes power potential that could only be bolstered once he reaches Great American Ball Park. The development timetable for catchers takes longer, and Stephenson's injuries have slowed him even more. He shows plus arm strength but his throwing mechanics need work, which help explain why he threw out just 21 percent of basestealers in 2017. As a long-limbed catcher, Stephenson has to work to maintain the flexibility to be an adequate receiver and there are scouts who worry that he'll simply be too big and too inflexible to handle it long-term. The most important thing Stephenson has to show is that he can stay on the field as he advances to high Class A Daytona in 2018.
The 11th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Stephenson endured an injury-marred full-season debut at low Class A Dayton in 2016. First he sustained a concussion when a ball caromed off a post during a soft-toss drill and hit him in the head. After he returned from the disabled list, he injured his wrist and missed all of June. He tried to return, but his wrist never fully healed, and he had season-ending surgery on his wrist in mid-August. When healthy, Stephenson's natural swing path takes the ball to right and right-center field, and he shows an ability to cover the plate. Scouts like his advanced approach and think he shows at least average hitting potential. Stephenson will have to work on pulling inside pitches to maximize his average power. He shows a plus arm, but his receiving and blocking seemed to suffer as the accumulation of injuries and struggles at the plate wore him down. Stephenson is big for a catcher and his footwork needs work, but he has the agility to be an average defensive catcher with a strong left hand to frame pitches on the corners. He will have to work hard to maintain flexibility and remain light on his feet. The Reds will give Stephenson a mulligan and he will return to Dayton in 2017 with the hope good health will equal better results.
Stephenson flew up draft boards in 2015 when the Georgia Tech recruit went from possible top-50 pick to someone rumored to be in consideration at No. 1 overall. The Reds were thrilled when he fell to them with the 11th pick, and they signed him quickly for $3.1 million. The Reds aggressively pushed Stephenson to the Rookie-level Pioneer League. The Reds felt comfortable jumping Stephenson over the Rookie-level Arizona League because of his advanced hitting approach. He focuses on maintaining balance and control with his stance, with very little load in his swing. He has a line drive-oriented swing that sacrifices carry for contact. His swing naturally drives the ball to right-center field, but he needs to use his lower half better before he can consistently pull the ball to left field for power. Optimistic projections peg Stephenson for 15-20 home runs eventually, to go with an above-average hit tool. He has a plus arm and the tools to be an average defender if he works on maintaining his agility. He's big for a catcher, but he's flexible with quiet hands. Stephenson is more advanced than Devin Mesoraco--the last first-round prep catcher taken by the Reds--at the same stage, and big-bodied backstops like Salvador Perez, Matt Wieters and Joe Mauer have largely eradicated the notion that anyone 6-foot-4 or taller can't catch. Next up for Stephenson is an assignment to low Class A Dayton.

Draft Prospects

Stephenson didn't attend many of the big summer showcases last year, instead focusing on playing summer ball in the competitive East Cobb program. That kept him out of the spotlight, but not off of scouts' radars, and he also was one of the stars of the WWBA World Championships last fall. He missed a few weeks this spring due to an oblique injury, but played well in his return and subsequently shot up draft boards, even generating some buzz as a potential first overall pick. In a class that is light on catching, the Georgia Tech commit stands out. Stephenson is big for a catcher (listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds), but he is an excellent defender. He is very quiet behind the plate and frames pitches well thanks to his strong, soft hands. He has plus arm strength and once he gets his footwork down has the potential to be an above-average defender. Offensively, he creates raw power thanks to his strength. There is some length to his swing and he didn't hit all that well with a wood bat last summer. But his advanced skills behind the plate will allow a team to be patient has he figures things out offensively.

Minor League Top Prospects

Entering 2018, Stephenson's high for games in a season was just 80, with just 53 of those at catcher. Those totals moved to 109 games this year, with 96 starts behind the plate. Injuries have sapped him of reps, but not of his talent. Stephenson's rep is as an offensive-minded catcher, and he lived up to that mark with 11 home runs in 2018 while dealing with the FSL for the first time. Scouts like his ability to receive the ball, though his size makes him a little slow to move around behind the plate. He can improve his blocking and he threw out just 25 percent of runners trying to steal, but he does show a plus arm when he gets everything synced up. The most important way to ease those concerns is with repetitions, which he got this year during Daytona's run to the FSL championship series.
Stephenson's second full season has certainly gone better than his first. Fully healthy after a left wrist injury that needed surgery, Stephenson performed as the Reds expected of the 11th overall pick, especially with the bat. He alleviated fears that last year's wrist surgery would sap his bat speed, though his line-drive swing path portends just average home run power. Stephenson covers the plate well, swings at strikes and hits the ball with authority from gap to gap. He projects as an average hitter with double-digit home runs possible at his peak if he can learn to use his strength and leverage his swing. Behind the plate, Stephenson made strides, particularly with his receiving, as his glove has quieted down and he works well with pitchers. Scouts say he lacks agility side to side and that he doesn't get out of his crouch well. His arm grades a plus, but he caught just 21 percent of baserunners. The overall package drew comparisons to fellow Georgia prep product Tyler Flowers.
Stephenson stands out for his size and physicality, and it's tempting for evaluators to wonder how much stronger he can get. Billings manager Dick Schofield pointed out that Stephenson hasn't yet gotten his "man muscles." Provided he doesn't grow too much larger, Stephenson should be able to stay behind the plate because of his athletic body, soft hands and good feel for catching. Stephenson has a strong arm, but his lateral movement behind the plate is lacking at this stage, and his blocking and throwing need improvement. "He's what a catcher looks like," Orem manager Dave Stapleton said, "with good actions and a good frame."At the plate, Stephenson is a confident hitter who controls the zone well. His physical strength produces raw power that should eventually translate into in-game pop. He makes good contact but does so with a short hand load that doesn't generate leverage. He has fun on the field and plays with energy.

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Cincinnati Reds in 2020

Scouting Reports

Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.

TRACK RECORD: Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Stephenson made his major league debut in 2020 and homered in his first at-bat. After a breather at the alternate training site, he returned to Cincinnati a month later and hit a walk-off home run in his fifth game. It was a fitting reward after an injury-filled minor league career. Stephenson had missed time with a concussion, wrist injury and thumb injury.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson fits the model of the bat-first catcher. His swing is quite compact for someone with long arms, and he has toned down the bat waggle and leg kick he had early in his pro career. The changes may sap his power to a minor extent, but they have helped him make more consistent contact. Stephenson recognizes spin well for a young hitter and altogether shows the attributes of an above-average hitter with average power. Stephenson’s pitch framing and blocking behind the plate have improved to average, but his game-calling needs work. His long arm action on his throws takes away from his plus arm strength.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson’s bat is major league-ready, but his defense isn’t. If the National League has the DH again in 2021, it would help Stephenson get regular at-bats in the majors while continuing to polish his catching.
Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.

TRACK RECORD: Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Stephenson made his major league debut in 2020 and homered in his first at-bat. After a breather at the alternate training site, he returned to Cincinnati a month later and hit a walk-off home run in his fifth game. It was a fitting reward after an injury-filled minor league career. Stephenson had missed time with a concussion, wrist injury and thumb injury.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson fits the model of the bat-first catcher. His swing is quite compact for someone with long arms, and he has toned down the bat waggle and leg kick he had early in his pro career. The changes may sap his power to a minor extent, but they have helped him make more consistent contact. Stephenson recognizes spin well for a young hitter and altogether shows the attributes of an above-average hitter with average power. Stephenson’s pitch framing and blocking behind the plate have improved to average, but his game-calling needs work. His long arm action on his throws takes away from his plus arm strength.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson’s bat is major league-ready, but his defense isn’t. If the National League has the DH again in 2021, it would help Stephenson get regular at-bats in the majors while continuing to polish his catching.
TRACK RECORD: Stephenson was derailed by injuries for much of his first two seasons, including a concussion, wrist surgery and a sprained thumb. He stayed healthy in 2018 and showed defensive chops in the high Class A Florida State League, then took a step forward offensively in 2019. Stephenson’s .372 on-base percentage ranked sixth among batters who had at least 300 plate appearances in the Double-A Eastern League.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson has good feel for the strike zone with an average hit tool and an excellent approach. He starts his swing with a small leg kick and modest load before firing his hands through the zone to produce loud contact and average power. He rarely chases out of the strike zone and works his walks. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Stephenson has a large frame behind the dish. He has solid hands but will have to continue to work on his receiving and framing skills. He has plus arm strength but doesn’t always get a good release—he threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2019.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson’s arm and offensive potential will be enticing if he can stick behind the plate. Some are concerned a lack of mobility may push him to first base or left field.
TRACK RECORD: Stephenson was derailed by injuries for much of his first two seasons, including a concussion, wrist surgery and a sprained thumb. He stayed healthy in 2018 and showed defensive chops in the high Class A Florida State League, then took a step forward offensively in 2019. Stephenson's .372 on-base percentage ranked sixth among batters who had at least 300 plate appearances in the Double-A Eastern League.

SCOUTING REPORT: Stephenson has good feel for the strike zone with an average hit tool and an excellent approach. He starts his swing with a small leg kick and modest load before firing his hands through the zone to produce loud contact and average power. He rarely chases out of the strike zone and works his walks. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Stephenson has a large frame behind the dish. He has solid hands but will have to continue to work on his receiving and framing skills. He has plus arm strength but doesn't always get a good release—he threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2019.

THE FUTURE: Stephenson's arm and offensive potential will be enticing if he can stick behind the plate. Some are concerned a lack of mobility may push him to first base or left field.
Both of Stephenson’s 2016 and 2017 seasons ended on the disabled list, with injuries varying from a concussion to a sprained left wrist and sprained right thumb. So far, Stephenson has stayed healthy in 2018 and hit .272/.354/.423 through 66 games. Stephenson’s best tools are his above-average arm and power potential, and now that he is staying on the field he is gaining the experience necessary to develop into an everyday major league catcher.
Track Record: Stephenson's second full season ended the same as his first: on the disabled list at low Class A Dayton. In 2016, he suffered a concussion that caused him to miss time and then a right wrist injury that required surgery. Stephenson's 2017 season ended prematurely with a thumb injury suffered while sliding into second base. He returned in time for instructional league, giving the Reds a sense of optimism going forward. Scouting Report: While Stephenson struggled in his first full year, he showed a better eye at the plate in his return to Dayton. His plus power potential is real, even if he hasn't put up eye-popping home run totals so far. His large frame oozes power potential that could only be bolstered once he reaches Great American Ball Park. The development timetable for catchers takes longer, and Stephenson's injuries have slowed him even more. He threw out just 21 percent of basestealers in 2017. As a long-limbed catcher, he has to work to maintain the flexibility to be an adequate receiver. The Future: The most important thing Stephenson has to show is that he can stay on the field as he advances to high Class A Daytona in 2018.
Background: The 11th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Stephenson endured an injury-marred full-season debut at low Class A Dayton in 2016. First he sustained a concussion when a ball caromed off a post during a soft-toss drill and hit him in the head. After he returned from the disabled list he injured his wrist and missed all of June. He tried to return, but he had season-ending surgery in mid-August. Scouting Report: When healthy, Stephenson's natural swing path takes the ball to right and right-center field, and he shows an ability to cover the plate. Scouts like his advanced approach and think he shows at least average hitting potential. Stephenson will have to work on pulling inside pitches to maximize his average power. He shows a plus arm, while his receiving and blocking seemed to suffer as the accumulation of injuries and struggles at the plate wore him down. Stephenson is big for a catcher and his footwork needs work, but he has the agility to be an average defensive catcher with a strong left hand to frame pitches on the corners. He will have to work hard to maintain flexibility and remain light on his feet.

The Future: The Reds will give Stephenson a mulligan for 2016, and he will return to Dayton in 2017 with the hope that good health will equal better results.