Thayron Liranzo Scouting Report

Thayron Liranzo Scouting Report

Background: Acquired with Trey Sweeney for Jack Flaherty at 2024 MLB Trade Deadline from the Dodgers, Thayron Liranzo was signed for $30,000 out of the Dominican Republic in January 2021. The switch-hitting catcher made a quick impression, hitting .270 with 24 home runs in his first full season at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. This season, Liranzo was selected to play in the 2024 Futures Game.

Physical Description: Standing at 6’3, 195 lbs, Liranzo has broad shoulders, with tree trunk legs. He has an upright stance with the bat on his back shoulder with a slight bat wiggle but as he sets his hands, his setup, and load are quiet. He has an upper cut swing but covers a lot of the strike zone. Does show a weakness at breaking pitches away.

Hit: 40

Liranzo has the ability to barrel up on the ball with good, above-average bat speed. He tends to overswing at times, causing him to look off-balance against advanced pitching. Does show a good eye at the plate, just would like to see hit more line drives instead of ground balls.

Power: 70

With his ability to leverage the bat, that creates the natural loft power to all fields. Hard, loud contact, with the exit velocities to match.

Run: 20

He has a quick first step out of the box, but is more of a clogger on the base paths, aka station to station runner.

Defense: 40

Shows a strong arm behind the plate. Struggles with side to side and can be at times rough around the edges as far as blocking the ball but overall, places a passable catcher. Could end up at first if he can continue to hit for power.

Arm: 60

Liranzo has a strong, accurate arm. Will show 70-grade pop times to second base, though his caught stealing numbers have lagged because of footwork and release issues.

Overall: Liranzo’s future as a catcher depends on how much he can adapt to getting better, but I thought he could hold his own behind the plate. The power is real, watching him launch a home run straightaway in Lansing is no easy feat as his exit velocities are among the highest in the Midwest League. The Tigers got good value in Liranzo, but the progression with the bat as he moves up is key. He has the athleticism to play first, something perhaps we will see in 2025.

Updated 3/15/25