Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects – No. 30 to No. 21

#23 Victor Caratini (C)

2015 Stats (Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

.257/.342/.372, 112 G, 393 AB, 4 HR, 53 RBI, 31 2B

Caratini was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft by the Atlanta Braves. He came over to the Cubs in July 2014 in a trade for James Russell and Emilio Bonifacio. Cartini is in a similar situation to the Cubs rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber, where his bat may be more useful than his catching abilities although he is safer bet behind the plate than Schwarber at this time. Despite being ahead of Schwarber in the catching department, he still needs to work on softening his hands, improving throwing accuracy, refining blocking skills, and adding physical strength. Cartini can play third base as a fall back option. At 22 years old, Caratini played with the Pelicans last season. He hit .257 with 4 homers and 53 RBIs in 112 games. This switch hitter is more about line drive contact than driving the ball and has a quality approach behind the plate. He has dropped 4 spots on the rankings, but is still at least a year or two from cracking the big leagues.

Next: No. 22 - 3B/1B Villanueva