JD Gonzalez

School: Hernandez HS, Humacao, P.R. Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Indiana State
Age At Draft: 17.8
A Puerto Rican catcher with a lean, 6-foot, 175-pound frame, Gonzalez has high defensive upside with a huge arm from behind the plate. He showed tremendous arm speed and arm strength at Perfect Game’s National Showcase in 2022, with one of the stronger arms at the event and plus-plus future potential for the tool. He also took part in the 2023 MLB Draft Combine and showed one of the best pure arms at that event when competing against college catchers for the honor, though he could improve his throwing accuracy and sharpen up his footwork. He moves around well behind the plate and has a chance to be a plus defender at the position as well. Gonzalez also impressed offensively during the fall at Perfect Game’s WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., where he went 5-for-12 (.417). Gonzalez has some moving parts in his swing, and will get pull-happy at times, but he has shown solid contact ability and a quick, whippy swing that could produce more power as he learns to get behind the ball more consistently. Gonzalez is committed to Indiana State and is young for the class—he’ll still be 17 years old on draft day.