Name: Kehden Hettiger
Position: C
Born: May 25, 2004
Country: US
Bats/Throws: S/R
Height/Weight: 6’2″ 205lbs
How Acquired: Drafted in the 11th Round of the 2023 Draft by the Phillies
Signed: July 18, 2023
Bonus: $397,500
Options Remaining: 3
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
MiLB Free Agency: 2029
Stats
Prospect Rankings
Role: Average Regular
Risk: Extreme – Hettiger is a high school catcher, one of the riskiest archetypes, and has some swing and hit tool concerns. He looks like he should stick at the position and has enough power to have offensive upside.
Summary: Hettiger is a solidly built switch hitting high school catcher from California. He has some length to his swing, but good bat speed from both sides of the plate. His strength will lead to solid power, and he has a good approach at the plate. Behind the plate, he didn’t look terrible, but he is already pretty large, and receiving and blocking are things he has to work on. He has a plus arm, popping sub 2.00 pop times in the FCL. Hettiger was on the older side for a high schooler and his body is mature already. The Phillies gave him a 5th round level bonus, and he has the talent of a mid Day 2 pick. He could be an everyday catcher, but he is going to need to hit at every level and get his defense at least to average, and with framing being deemphasized by automated strike zones his arm will be an asset.
2024 Outlook: The Phillies have a decent number of catchers between Extended Spring Training and Florida Complex League. Hettiger may end up splitting time between both levels as the Phillies shuffle players up and down between the two levels.
Role: Average Regular
Risk: Extreme – Hettiger is a high school catcher, one of the riskiest archetypes, and has some swing and hit tool concerns. He looks like he should stick at the position and has enough power to have offensive upside.
Summary: Hettiger is a solidly built switch hitting high school catcher from California. He has some length to his swing, but good bat speed from both sides of the plate. His strength will lead to solid power, and he has a good approach at the plate. Behind the plate, he didn’t look terrible, but he is already pretty large, and receiving and blocking are things he has to work on. He has a plus arm, popping sub 2.00 pop times in the FCL. Hettiger was on the older side for a high schooler and his body is mature already. The Phillies gave him a 5th round level bonus, and he has the talent of a mid Day 2 pick. He could be an everyday catcher, but he is going to need to hit at every level and get his defense at least to average, and with framing being deemphasized by automated strike zones his arm will be an asset.
2024 Outlook: The Phillies have a decent number of catchers between Extended Spring Training and Florida Complex League. Hettiger may end up splitting time between both levels as the Phillies shuffle players up and down between the two levels.