Jack Kruger Gains Experience Behind Plate

Catcher Jack Kruger was a buzzer-beater of a signing, the Angels going right up to the July 15 deadline in 2016 to ink the 20th-round pick out of Mississippi State for $395,000. His bonus was commensurate with a high fifth-round selection that year.

It does not appear to be a reach. Kruger was so impressive at Rookie-level Orem last summer, hitting .330/.366/.417 in 27 games and showing well-rounded skills behind the plate, that he earned an invitation to big league camp this spring.

“Our scouts were very intrigued by him,” farm director Mike LaCassa said. “Everything we hoped for behind the plate was there, and we thought the experience of catching major league bullpens, learning from (Angels manager) Mike Scioscia and the big league staff and catchers, would be good for him.”

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Kruger opened this season at low Class A Burlington and slashed .232/.296/.341 with four homers in 69 games. A July 20 promotion to high Class A Inland Empire sparked a surge at the plate. The 22-year-old hit .274/.336/.342 with one homer in his first 29 there.

“He has some of the best raw power we have in A ball,” LaCassa said. “It’s a pretty good tool set to get out of the 20th round. He’s a very strong kid who is really learning his swing. When he puts it all together in a year or two, you’re gonna see power production.”

Kruger, a Southern California native who played at Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village, has been impressive behind the plate. In 86 games this season, he threw out 33 percent of basestealers.

“We’re very pleased with what we’ve seen so far,” LaCassa said. “Defensively, he has a lot of tools. He’s a good blocker, game-caller and receiver. He’s thrown out more than three of every 10 baserunners. There’s a lot to be excited about.”

ANGEL FOOD

• The jump from Burlington to Inland Empire did not slow top outfield prospect Jahmai Jones. After slashing .272/.338/.425 with nine homers in 86 low Class A games, the 20-year-old hit .329/.391/.534 with five homers in 35 high Class A games.

• Catcher Taylor Ward, an advanced defender when chosen in the first round in 2015, showed promise at the plate at Double-A Mobile. He hit .312/.441/.441 in 27 games after a July 20 promotion from Inland Empire.