ProfileHt.: 5'10" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: S / Throws: R
School
UCLA
Debut09/04/2019
Drafted in the 8th round (249th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2012 (signed for $125,000).
View Draft Report
After playing sparingly for two years as Steve Rodriguez's backup, Heineman assumed the everyday job this spring and had a breakout season. He hit over .400 deep into the season before cooling off late. With a stocky 5-foot-10 build that evokes Mike LaValliere or a Molina brother, Heineman is a hard-working, blue-collar player with a passion for the game. He's not a polished receiver but projects as an average defender with enough quickness to block balls in the dirt effectively. He handles pitchers well and controls the running game, thanks to an average arm and a quick transfer and release. Offensively, Heineman is a switch-hitter with a contact approach from both sides. He sprays the ball around the field and doesn't strike out often, but he doesn't offer any power. He profiles as a solid backup catcher in the big leagues.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
A baseball rat, Heineman has an uncle who played at Arizona State, while his brother Scott is a sophomore infielder for Oregon. Heineman's UCLA career included two trips to the College World Series but he was a little-used backup in his first two seasons, when he caught Rob Rasmussen and two of the top three picks in the 2011 draft, Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. In his lone season as a regular, Heineman's grit, solid tools and surprising skills shined through, earning him a $125,000 bonus in the eighth round last June. Scouts laud him for his toughness as he shakes off home-plate collisions, coaxes his pitchers to compete and handles his staff in a professional manner. He has solid catch-and-throw skills and threw out 41 percent of basestealers while helping Tri-City to the New York-Penn League finals. Heineman led the NY-P in batting (.358) while ranking second in on-base percentage (.452) and plate appearances per strikeout (19.4). He's a switch-hitter with a contact approach and an excellent notion of the strike zone. He's willing to take one for the team, getting hit by 27 pitches between college and pro ball last year, and he handles the bat well in hit-and-run and bunt situations. His power potential is limited and he'll have to prove he can hit quality fastballs as he moves up the later. He runs well for a catcher and is a smart baserunner. Even with modest offensive upside, Heineman fits as a fast-moving future backup, and added power could make him an eventual regular. He'll open his first full pro season in low Class A.
Draft Prospects
After playing sparingly for two years as Steve Rodriguez's backup, Heineman assumed the everyday job this spring and had a breakout season. He hit over .400 deep into the season before cooling off late. With a stocky 5-foot-10 build that evokes Mike LaValliere or a Molina brother, Heineman is a hard-working, blue-collar player with a passion for the game. He's not a polished receiver but projects as an average defender with enough quickness to block balls in the dirt effectively. He handles pitchers well and controls the running game, thanks to an average arm and a quick transfer and release. Offensively, Heineman is a switch-hitter with a contact approach from both sides. He sprays the ball around the field and doesn't strike out often, but he doesn't offer any power. He profiles as a solid backup catcher in the big leagues.
Career Transactions
Worcester Red Sox placed C Tyler Heineman on the temporarily inactive list.
Buffalo Bisons activated C Tyler Heineman.
C Tyler Heineman roster status changed by Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled C Tyler Heineman from Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled C Tyler Heineman from Buffalo Bisons.
Buffalo Bisons activated C Tyler Heineman.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned C Tyler Heineman to Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned C Tyler Heineman to Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled C Tyler Heineman from Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled C Tyler Heineman from Buffalo Bisons.
C Tyler Heineman roster status changed by Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned C Tyler Heineman to Buffalo Bisons.
Pittsburgh Pirates traded C Tyler Heineman to Toronto Blue Jays for SS Vinny Capra.
Buffalo Bisons activated C Tyler Heineman.
Pittsburgh Pirates traded C Tyler Heineman to Toronto Blue Jays for SS Vinny Capra.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned C Tyler Heineman to Buffalo Bisons.
Pittsburgh Pirates designated C Tyler Heineman for assignment.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned C Tyler Heineman to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of C Tyler Heineman from Indianapolis Indians.
Indianapolis Indians activated C Tyler Heineman.
C Tyler Heineman assigned to Indianapolis Indians.
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