2 years agoComing off a breakout season in 2021 and the departure of Tucker Barnhart, Tyler Stephenson (collarbone) was in a position to take over as the full-time starting catcher for the Reds in 2022. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was plagued by injuries, and he was limited to 50 games. He broke his thumb on June 9th, which cost him a month. Just two weeks after he returned, he suffered a broken collarbone and missed the rest of the season. Catchers have an increased risk of injury overall, but there's no reason to be concerned about re-injury. Stephenson has only moderate power but can provide a good batting average, which can be hard to find in a catcher. He slashed .319/.372/.482 across 183 plate appearances in 2022. The 26-year-old also plays in hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, can fill in at first base and designated hitter, and should hit in the middle of the lineup, which will increase his opportunity for runs and RBI. ATC projects Stephenson to slash .266/.336/.418 with 14 homers, 60 RBI, and a .330 WOBA across 483 plate appearances in 2023. The former first-round pick is being drafted as the 11th catcher at pick 131 in NFBC drafts, which is about where ATC projections and the RotoBaller rankings have valued him. If he can stay healthy, Stephenson will be a good bet to meet or exceed that value.--Jenny Butler - RotoBaller