The Nationals overhauled their scouting department, with Brad Ciolek and Danny Haas being put in charge of running the draft. The Nationals strategy in the 2024 draft was different than years past. They prioritized athleticism and feel to hit. Catcher Caleb Lomavita is an example of this new approach. He was drafted with the 39th pick, a compensatory pick the Nats acquired from the Royals in the Hunter Harvey trade.
Lomavita is an ultra-athletic catcher, who is a legitimate threat to steal bases, a rarity for catchers. He grades out as an average to slightly above average runner. Lomavita stole 12 bases his final year at Cal. He also has a solid hit tool, with scouts lauding his ability to find the barrel. The 22 year old is also praised for his leadership, a trait that is especially important for catchers.
Lomavita did not start catching full time until college, so his defense is still a bit of a work in progress. However, he has shown flashes of being at least an above average catcher thanks to his athleticism and strong arm. If he puts in the work, all the traits are there to be a solid defensive catcher. Unlike Keibert Ruiz, who’s defensive issues are largely caused by a lack of athleticism, Lomavita is a great mover who needs to refine his fundamentals. Given the fact he has already made a lot of progress defensively, further improvement seems likely.
The Hawaiian also boasts above average raw power. However, like Seaver King, he does not elevate the ball enough to convert his plus exit velocity to over the fence power. There is enough pop to dream on 15-20 home runs with plenty of doubles.
By far the biggest issue for Lomavita is his plate discipline. In his draft year at Cal, he only walked 12 times in 258 plate appearances. With Lomavita being the best hitter at Cal, and pitchers trying their best to not make mistakes, walking that infrequently is a red flag. While Lomavita does not have to be Juan Soto, he will needs to find a way to chase less. If he can even he has 40 grade plate discipline rather than 30 grade, he has the tools to become a legitimate starting level catcher.
The Nationals drafting two college catchers in the first 100 picks tells you a lot about how they feel about Keibert Ruiz. While he will be the guy in 2025, his status as the starting catcher is up for grabs long term despite his contract. Lomavita should have the first crack at trying to usurp him if he performs well in his first full pro season. Given his struggles in a small sample size in Low-A, and the extreme pitcher friendly nature of High-A Wilmington, it is possible he starts the year down in Fredericksburg. However, I believe they are going to send him to High-A, given the fact he is already 22.
Like Seaver King, Lomavita is less refined than some other college prospects, but his athleticism gives him untapped potential. The Nationals bet on athletic guys who can play in the middle of the diamond in the 2024 Draft. There is no better example of that than Caleb Lomavita, a catcher is a threat to steal bases.