Ohio State Buckeye catcher Dillon Dingler was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round of the 2020 MLB Draft with the first pick of the round making him their catcher of the future. Many felt Dingler was a first round pick but was available with the 38th selection for the Tigers. Also ranked as the 3rd best catcher, many consider the pick a steal with his athletic ability on the field.

Detroit Tigers Catcher

Some feel catcher Jake Rogers might be on his way out as the main man behind the plate in Detroit. Dingler is favorably compared to Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly. Many see his potential as a stronger hitter and an everyday catcher, which is why the Tigers pulled the trigger on him during the 2nd day of the draft.

Dillon Dingler Ohio State Career

Dingler, a Massillon Ohio Jackson High School grad, came back from an uneventful freshman year and a broken wrist bone to hit .291 as a sophomore and put his name on the map as a potential draft selection. When 2020 got underway he took off hitting .340 in 13 games before the NCAA shut down the season over Covid 19 concerns. He also had 5 home runs, 14 RBIs and 4 doubles in the shortened season.

Brought into Ohio State as an outfielder and switching to catcher, Dingler (6’3” 220 lbs.) excelled behind the plate. Scouts are praising his arm strength and accuracy of throws. A three time captain with the Buckeyes, his leadership was important for the club. He becomes the highest drafted baseball player out of Ohio State in the past 10 years.

Dingler was a three sport athlete in high school, starring in basketball, baseball, and football. Jackson High was state finalist in basketball and state finalist in baseball his senior year. Dingler was coached by catching coach Greg Beals at Ohio State and now looks to earn close to $2 million a year in the MLB.

Road to Detroit: Dillon Dingler