Central California Preseason All-State: Catcher Analysis

1. Carson Sheffer C / 1B / Oaks Christian, CA / 2026

Positional Profile: C/1B Impact level defender behind the plate with elite arm strength whose offensive profile shows top of the order potential.
Body: 6-0, 149.7 pounds. Athletic wiry frame that is starting to add strength with maturity.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up with slight knee bend and slight hip hinge. Lower back elbow with hands set above rear shoulder just below the ear with barrel tipped towards 3B coaches box with waggle in hands. Shifts weight into backside to start the load with a medium leg kick into an aggressive forward move with front side. Maintains balanced well and turns with quickness in his hips using lower half well. Hands are direct to the zone with a slightly uphill path that stays through the zone well to find the barrel with consistency. 67.9 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (85.6 avg.); 331-foot max batted distance. Shows ability to elevate the ball with consistency more on the line drive side which plays to his strong present top end EV to give him middle of the field doubles power with HR power to the pull side. Shows feel to find the barrel and hit ball hard at consistent level.
Arm: RH. C - 86.00 mph. Elite arm strength behind the plate from a loose fast arm that produces online low carry to his throws that shows well in workouts and plays as well if not better in game.
Defense: 1.85-1.90 pop time range; Smooth receiver who moves well and can present pitches with quiet actions. Athletic blocker with mobility/agility. Profiles as a top end defender at premium spot.
Athletic Testing: 7.35 runner in the 60-yard dash. Runs well with body control, stride length and ability to maintain throughout.