2024 Rutgers Baseball Position Preview: Catchers Edition
The 2024 Rutgers Baseball season is less than a month away from the start of their season and the Scarlet Knights coming off a solid 2023 season in which they had a record of 33-23.
Now before the season starts, The Knight Report is previewing the entire 2024 team as we go position by position and next up we take a look at the catchers.
1. Hugh Pinkney
After a solid freshman season, Pinkney is looking to take the next step and have a more impactful season. Pinkney was a top Canadian prospect and was even drafted by the Padres but decided to enroll at Rutgers University.
As a freshman, Pinkney played in 51 games and started in 48. Pinkney slashed .267/.375/.341 47 hits, eleven doubles, one triple, 21 RBIs, 26 walks, 26 runs scored, and a .716 OPS.
Pinkney is expected to be the starting catcher again for Rutgers this season. He could also see some time at first base and DH this season if they want to prioritize defense. Rutgers added a solid catcher from the portal who might be the best defensive catcher on the roster.
2. JD Jones
Junior catcher JD Jones was a key addition the Scarlet Knights made last offseason. Rutgers needed to add some collegiate experience behind the plate and did so with the transfer from the University of Miami.
In his first two seasons at Miami, Jones played in 30 games for the Hurricanes. Jones batted .296 with eight hits, two RBIs, four walks, nine runs scored, and a .424 on-base percentage.
In the Futures Collegiate Summer League, Jones produced at the plate for the Westfield Starfires. Jones played in 27 games while batting .293 with 24 hits, three doubles, eleven runs scored, and fourteen walks in 99 plate appearances. Jones is a plus defensive catcher and handled the Rutgers pitching staff well in the fall.
3. Jackson Natili
Freshman catcher Jackson Natili was one of the top prospects Rutgers signed to their 2023 baseball recruiting class. Natili was also one of the top prospects out of Pennsylvania. He was the fourth-ranked prospect in Rutgers’s recruiting class.
On Perfect Game, Natili was the 500th-ranked prospect and the 62nd-ranked catcher in his class. Natili was also the sixteenth-ranked prospect and the #1 catcher in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Keystone State native performed well in the fall and could get some early playing time this season. At 6’4” and 195 pounds, Natili has some power at the plate and also possesses a strong arm behind the dish.
4. Joey Esposito
Freshman catcher Joey Esposito was one of two catchers Rutgers signed to their 2023 baseball recruiting class. Esposito was an in-state prospect that Rutgers was able to keep home last recruiting cycle.
On Perfect Game, Esposito was a Top 1000 ranked prospect and the 316th-ranked catcher in his class. Esposito was also the 105th-ranked prospect and the eleventh-ranked catcher in New Jersey.
The Garden State native is a potential redshirt candidate for the Scarlet Knights this season. Rutgers has two veteran catchers and Natili’s offensive production in the fall will make it difficult for Esposito to get some playing time this season.
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