MLB Draft 2026 Preview: Catchers

Similar to pitching, you can never have enough catchers. The Tigers depth in catching has improved over the years withthe names you may be familiar with in Josue Briceno, Thayron Liranzo, Bennett Lee and Eduardo Valencia. Most recently, Detroit drafted Michael Oliveto in the first round last season and another catcher in the 10th round in Edian Espinal, (ranked #36 TMLR Top 45) who is batting .329 in Lakeland as the former infield at UCF continues to hit Single-A pitching well.

Let’s take a look at the catchers in the 2026 MLB Draft who could be of interest to the Tigers, based on their recent draft trends and the types of profiles Detroit has targeted.

Mickey Gilligan:

Age: 18| Ht.: 6’0″ | Wt.: 190| Bats: L | Throws: R

Mickey Gilligan was just named the New Jersey Player of the Year and while he may not be on any of the traditional lists, which include Baseball America (unranked) and MLB Pipeline, there are some stats that stand out about Gilligan that may have him rise on lists. He is a Rutgers commit with a well-rounded profile, offering offensive upside, defensive tools and the type of high-effort approach that evaluators tend to notice. One of them was the loud exit velocity during the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona. Gilligan began to turn some heads on Day 2 of the MLB Draft Combine. His defensive foundation stands out, particularly the arm strength and quick release behind the plate. Like Oliveto, he is another East Coast prep catcher, an area the Tigers have scouted well over the past three seasons.

Defensively, the arm strength was the separator. Gilligan showed a quick release and pop times in the 1.68 to 1.72 range, giving him a chance to have a plus, possibly better, throwing tool behind the plate. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he may not have the biggest frame, but his strength, intent and attention to detail make him an interesting prep catcher to follow as he continues to grow into his body.

Brady Neal

Age: 21|Ht: 6’3″ | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

Neal, who played at the University of Alabama, comes from a program Tigers fans are familiar with from recent drafts. He made a notable jump at the plate, raising his batting average from .219 to .316. Before Alabama, he attended IMG Academy, where the roster included names such as James Wood and Tommy White.

His swing appears geared more toward line drives than over-the-fence power, but he brings a strong arm, right-handed depth and some defensive flexibility. Neal has also shown the ability to play the outfield, which fits with Detroit’s preference for players who can handle multiple positions.

Brady Neal (@YD_RedSox | @LSUbaseball | ’25) pimps this HR that got the scoring going yesterday. He has an extra base hit in each of his first 2 games. Caught 26 games to start the season but is getting playing time this summer after a back injury ended his season#PGCape pic.twitter.com/2KGUOf0FzT

— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) July 8, 2023

Brady Murrietta

Age| 19 Ht: 5’11” | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

Going back to the prep ranks, Murrietta brings national pedigree after catching for the USA National Team. Baseball America noted his soft hands, framing ability and skill in stealing strikes behind the plate. The arm also stands out on video, giving him a well-rounded defensive foundation. His swing shows good barrel control through the zone.

GOT HIM! The freshman Brady Murrietta (@MurriettaBrady) puts a perfect throw to 2B to hose the runner trying to swipe the bag. #FiveToolArm@olubaseball (CA) 2026 · @TexasBaseball commit@PrimeHydrate Five Tool Game of the Week@FiveToolCA

Profile: https://t.co/nyHnBrKaHA pic.twitter.com/LBtz18sGvS

— Five Tool Baseball (@FiveTool) March 23, 2023

He is committed to Texas, so signability will be part of the equation, but the defensive profile fits what Detroit has valued. As a California prep catcher with advanced receiving skills and a strong defensive reputation, Murrietta makes sense as a player who could be on the Tigers’ radar.

Brendan Brock

Age:21 |Ht: 6’3″ | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R

Brock took the junior college route in Illinois before heading to the University of Oklahoma, and he brings more than just power. There is speed in the profile as well, giving him a chance to impact the game in multiple ways. He may eventually wind up in the outfield, but the bat is the carrying tool, with natural loft in the swing and loud exit velocities. He may end up getting drafted as an outfielder but because he is also listed as a catcher, had to run with this idea.

The Tigers could use more players with this type of profile in the system, athletic hitters with power, defensive flexibility and the ability to handle multiple positions. The main area he will need to continue improving, according to reports, is his ability to handle breaking balls and offspeed pitches, though there has been progress in that department.

He was also a big part of Oklahoma’s national championship run. Of the four catchers mentioned, Brock may have the weakest pop times and footwork, according to Baseball America, but the arm strength is there. Even if he eventually moves off catcher, that arm could still make him useful elsewhere on the field.

C Brendan Brock (@BlueStormBSB)

Oklahoma commit.

++ runner with easy juice, multiple 95+ mph batted balls.

All-around standout for SWIC in 2024. Slashed .398/.517/.825 with 15 HR and 39 SB. @brendanbrockk | @ScoutConnectBB pic.twitter.com/CqTY1Tnar3

— Diego (@DeegsBaseball) January 25, 2025

Follow me on “X” @rogcastbaseball

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