Jonny 2.0 proves to be better than prototype behind the plate
Jonny Homza
The 19-year-old utility player is trending the right direction with fewer strikeouts and better defense behind the plate with the San Diego Padres rookie-level team in the Arizona League.
Homza, of South High fame, has reached base in 10 of the first 11 games of the season and boasts a .377 on-base percentage.
He hits third in the order and ranks second on his team with 10 walks and third with three doubles.
The 6-foot, 185-pounder appears to be seeing the ball much better as his walk-to-strikeout ratio is much better than his rookie season:
2017 16 BBs / 54 Ks
2018 10 BBs / 7 Ks
Defensively, he’s played catcher the majority of his season but has seen time at third base. Last year, he also saw time as a middle infielder.
Homza, who rarely played behind the plate during his youth career, was a fifth-round draft pick last year by the Padres, who want him to catch.
The transformation isn’t easy, but the Alaskan is holding his own.
He’s thrown out six baserunners in six games – nearly doubling his range factor from a year ago.