Since Joe Mauer was drafted first overall in 2001, there have been just 12 high school catchers taken in the first round of the draft.

That could change as prep catchers appear to be a strength heading into next month's draft.

Reese McGuire, Jon Denney and Nick Ciuffo are all projected to be first round picks.

"The other two guys are more offensive, but McGuire has already shown good defensive skills," one scouting director said. "He has good flexibility and he has good throwing skills. He's a hot commodity, too, as a left-handed-hitting catcher."