Mike Rivera
| AB | 449 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .198 |
| OBP | .297 |
| SLG | .296 |
| HR | 6 |
- Full name Michael Rivera
- Born 12/12/1995 in Venice, FL
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Florida
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Drafted in the 6th round (192nd overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 (signed for $200,000).
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A prep and college teammate of Gators shortstop Dalton Guthrie, Rivera has the catch-and-throw skills and leadership to earn spots on two USA Baseball clubs, both as a prep and last summer with the Collegiate National Team. His bat (he hit 2-for-22 last summer) isn't what got him there. The strong 5-foot-10, 205-pounder could firm up his frame a bit but has the flexibility and low target to be a solid blocker and receiver. He has a solid-average arm as well with a quick transfer and strong accuracy, helping him throw out 50 percent of basestealers over the last two seasons. Offensively, he fits a backup catcher profile with modest bat-to-ball skills but with enough power to hit out mistakes and a solid idea of the strike zone. Rivera had missed the second half of 2017 with a left hamate injury but returned at the SEC tournament. He's seen as at least a strong organizational player with a chance to be a backup catcher.
Top Rankings
Draft Prospects
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A prep and college teammate of Gators shortstop Dalton Guthrie, Rivera has the catch-and-throw skills and leadership to earn spots on two USA Baseball clubs, both as a prep and last summer with the Collegiate National Team. His bat (he hit 2-for-22 last summer) isn't what got him there. The strong 5-foot-10, 205-pounder could firm up his frame a bit but has the flexibility and low target to be a solid blocker and receiver. He has a solid-average arm as well with a quick transfer and strong accuracy, helping him throw out 50 percent of basestealers over the last two seasons. Offensively, he fits a backup catcher profile with modest bat-to-ball skills but with enough power to hit out mistakes and a solid idea of the strike zone. Rivera had missed the second half of 2017 with a left hamate injury but returned at the SEC tournament. He's seen as at least a strong organizational player with a chance to be a backup catcher. -
Rivera, whose father played professionally in Puerto Rico, was a vital cog on USA Baseball's 18-and-under team that won the World Cup last summer, providing the game-winning hit in a walk-off win against Cuba. Rivera also has teamed with his best friend, Dalton Guthrie, to win consecutive state championships in Florida. Rivera's carrying tool is his bat. He is a natural, advanced hitter with an easy swing and history of hitting from a loud set-up. He rarely swings and misses. He has raw power to his pull side and his game power plays well to the gaps. His defense has improved considerably behind the plate, and he has a chance to remain back there with at least an average arm that can pop better. He has worked hard on his body, but will have to continue to maintain his strong, stout 5-foot-7, 196-pound build. He is a bottom-of-the-scale runner. A team buying him out of his Florida commitment is buying his bat.
