Sean McGrath
Scouting Director, New Jersey

Name: Raul Ortega
High School: Saint Joseph Regional
Position(s): C
Commitment: -

Background

Raul Ortega is currently ranked #17 in the New Jersey 2018 rankings (#2 catcher). Ortega spend a large part of the 2015 high school season as a freshman on varsity at St. Joseph Regional High School. Despite poor weather conditions, the catcher had an excellent showing during the skills portion of Selectfest Underclass, one of the top events in the Northeast each year.

Scouting Report

Ortega checks in at around 5-foot-11, 215 pounds; stocky, strong build. He showcases advanced receiving skills for his age; his growth as a catcher has most likely been accelerated due to the quality of arms he catches during the high school season. He is very efficient in his foot work and transfer skills when throwing down to second. He produced pop times between 1.90 and 2.06 at Selectfest Underclass. He is a switch hitter who has bat speed from both sides. His hit tool is much better from the right side as he controls the barrel well. He has some leverage from the left side but his first movement is to drop the barrel leaving him exposed to fastballs up in the strike zone. He is a definite high follow this year and, with a solid spring season, should be a player who receives early interest from quality programs.