Chris Herrmann

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #18 prospect in 2013
  The system's lone true prospect behind the plate, Herrmann had a career-best season at Double-A in 2012, ranking third in the Eastern League in runs (91) and reaching double figures in homers for the first time. He got his first big league promotion in September and recorded his first big league hit off Cody Eppley. Herrmann has become the system's best defensive catcher through hard work. He's a good athlete for a catcher and has a loose arm with solid arm strength. He has quickened his release and led the EL by throwing out 44 percent of basestealers. He's agile and does a good job of staying low behind the plate. Herrmann's power has improved as he continues to learn when to take advantage of pitches in his hitting zone, rather than just trying to work walks. When he's not ahead in the count, he generally employs a contact-oriented swing that serves him well against lefthanders, whom he hit at a .325/.396/.415 clip in Double-A. He's an average runner who can fill in on the infield and outfield corners. That's useful considering Joe Mauer's presence in Minnesota. Herrmann figures to be the regular catcher at Rochester this season, and he could settle in as Mauer's backup/caddy as the Twins try to keep their star's legs fresh.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #14 prospect in 2012
  Herrmann attended a pair of Texas junior colleges and saw time at third base, outfield and catcher. The Orioles drafted him in the 10th round in 2008 out of Alvin CC, but instead of signing he went to Miami. The Hurricanes used him some at third base but mostly in the outfield and at DH. He led Miami in batting with a .341 average in 2009, and his offensive polish prompted the Twins to push him aggressively after drafting him in the sixth round that June. He jumped to high Class A for his full-season debut in 2010 and made catcher his main position for the first time. Predictably he struggled, but he bounced back nicely last year, hitting his way out of Fort Myers and earning a promotion to Double-A. The organization's best catching prospect, Herrman features good athletic ability for a backstop, average speed that allows him to man either outfield corner and a polished offensive approach. His biggest offensive drawbacks are his flat swing plane and below-average power potential. Defensively, he has a slightly above-average arm and good technique that he used to throw out 38 percent of basestealers last season. He blocks balls well. His inexperience shows up most in his game-calling and handling of a pitching staff. Joe Mauer's injury-plagued season and the offensive ineptitude of his replacements highlighted Minnesota's need for catching help, and Herrmann is the best answer. He's headed for his first taste of Triple-A and isn't far from getting a shot to be Mauer's backup.