Brett Austin

Austin was the highest-drafted high school player ever to attend North Carolina State, turning down a reported $1.6 million bonus offer from the Padres as a supplemental first-round pick in 2011. After spending as much time as an outfielder as a freshman as he did catching, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder caught nearly every inning for N.C. State's 2013 College World Series team and had his best season as a junior, finally showing more power with a career-best .512 slugging percentage and five homers. Austin uses solid swing mechanics and an improved, patient approach to make solid contact. He wore down last season when catching every day, a concern for a more rigorous pro schedule. Austin's defense elicits mixed reviews; one scout called him a "retriever, not a receiver," and he struggled to handle Carlos Rodon's premium stuff though he improved as a junior. He needs work blocking and has just fringe-average arm strength, with inconsistent accuracy. Austin runs well for a catcher and has spent time on the outfield corners in college, though his bat profiles better behind the plate. His production in a year with few college bats should get him into the fourth round.