Braxton Fulford

When Texas Tech installed Fulford as the team’s everyday catcher late in 2018, it coincided with the team’s run to Omaha. He’s been the team’s catcher ever since. Any offensive production that a pro team gets from Fulford will be a bonus, because any team drafting him is going to feel comfortable that it is getting an excellent catch-and-throw receiver. Fulford handles a pitching staff well, and he has a plus arm. But his calling card is his receiving. He has excellent flexibility, setting a wide base for low pitches from a standard setup. He presents pitches well and has the hands of a magician when he’s trying to turn a borderline pitch into a strike. He’s the catcher that makes the Red Raiders pitching staff go. Fulford runs well for a catcher, and it’s not hard to get a fringe-average time from him down the line. Offensively, he’s limited. Texas Tech’s home park flatters his fringe-average power, but he’s a career .265 hitter in over 500 collegiate plate appearances. He will at times start his swing with a significant hitch that slows his trigger and he’s vulnerable to sliders away. But when he keeps his swing compact, he can drive the ball.