Max Pentecost

2018

There was no outlook written for Max Pentecost.

2017

Pentecost has been derailed by shoulder injuries over the last two seasons. After missing all of the 2015 campaign due to surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder, Pentecost returned to action in May, but the catching prospect spent much of the time at designated hitter. His excellent plate discipline and decent power flashed at Low-A Lansing, where he slashed .314/.375/.490 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 62 games. That resulted in a promotion to High-A Dunedin, though Pentecost subsequently injured his left shoulder sliding awkwardly into home plate after just 12 contests. The Jays are hopeful that Pentecost will be fully healed and ready to return behind the plate for the 2017 campaign, but it is clear the growth and progress of their 2014 first-round pick has been stunted thus far.

2016

One of the Blue Jays' top prospects, Pentecost had a disappointing 2015 campaign as he was unable to play a single inning after going under the knife for his second shoulder surgery. In his only minor league season, Pentecost played rookie ball in Bluefield and for Single-A short season Vancouver, but could only play 25 games. Despite the small sample size, Pentecost showed why he was drafted in the first round as he hit .324 across both levels and even stole a pair of bases. The 22-year-old has all the talent in the world and has the skill set to be a major league catcher, but will need to stay off the training table in order to live up to his boundless potential. One area to work on is reducing his strikeout rate, as he was striking out in 20 percent of his at-bats.

2015

Selected out of college with the 11th pick of the 2014 draft, Pentecost was the first true catching prospect off the board. He has an impressive line-drive stroke, with the ability to spray the ball to all fields. It is unlikely, however, that he will ever be much of a home-run threat. In a brief stint at short-season ball last year, he slashed .313/.322/.410 with no home runs and two steals in 87 plate appearances. While he did not hit any over the fence, Pentecost had three triples in just 19 games, which illustrates his impressive speed, relative to his position. Pentecost might actually be a better contributor in steals than home runs in the big leagues, which is a unique, yet valuable skill set for a catcher. Unfortunately, he probably won't make it to the majors until 2019, so extreme patience is required to own him in dynasty leagues.