Luke Shliger

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #88 prospect in 2023 draft
  School: Maryland Source: 4YR
  
  Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
  Age At Draft: 21.8
  BA Grade:45/High
  Tools:Hit: 55. Power: 40. Run: 30. Field: 50. Arm: 50.
  
  Shliger is a small, 5-foot-9, 180-pound catcher who had a monstrous 2022 season with Maryland and continued to impress in the Cape Cod League and in his 2023 draft year. During the 2023 season, Shliger slashed .336/.523/.582 with 11 home runs, 24 doubles, a 21% walk rate and 17.1% strikeout rate. Despite back-to-back seasons with 10-plus home runs with Maryland, Shliger stands out more for his ability to control the strike zone and manipulate his barrel. He rarely chases outside the zone but shows an adept ability to spray the ball into the gaps. Given his size and modest exit velocities so far, it’s unlikely that power becomes a big part of his offensive game, though it’s always possible he taps into more game power than you’d expect considering his feel for the barrel and batting eye. Defensively, Shliger has impressed with smooth receiving skills and average arm strength, though he gets rid of the ball quickly and is generally accurate on his throws. Shliger should be able to develop into an average defensive catcher based on his skill and athleticism behind the plate, though there are some concerns about his durability at the position on a pro schedule given his smaller size. Other scouts note that while he is shorter, he has plenty of strength on his frame.