The Pittsburgh Pirates have had issues in recent history of finding consistent play at the catcher position. However, there could be a possible catcher of the future for the Buccos playing in Altoona.
Easton Carmichael has impressed in his short stint as a professional baseball player, and his upside as a future major league contributor is what’s getting fans talking.
Carmichael was drafted in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft after a solid college career at the University of Oklahoma. Ahead of the draft he was listed
in the top 100 of the top 250 draft prospects in 2025 and certainly looked like one of the best college catchers in the class. During his time as a Sooner, Carmichael was named to the Cape Cod League All-Star Game and was awarded MVP honors from the game.
In his pro debut, Carmichael was out of action because of a wrist injury, and thus only saw action in 14 games with High-A Greensboro in 2025. Carmichael would start his 2026 back with the Grasshoppers, and was a consistent performer at the plate. In 74 games with the club Carmichael would finish with a slash line of .305/.350/.518 with an .868 OPS. He also had 16 homers as a Grasshopper.
On July 24, Carmichael was promoted to Double-A Altoona where he’s still been solid, but still seems to be finding his footing in the new league. Through 37 games he’s slashed .244/.313/.412 and just four homers. He’s certainly cooled off, but in just his second season of professional baseball there’s a lot to build on.
Carmichael will get another platform to showcase his talents as he was just assigned as one of the three catchers to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League. Plenty of Pirates’ prospects over the past couple of seasons have had breakout success through the AFL, and Carmichael could very well be the next player to benefit from some playing time in the fall.
Carmichael has the attributes to become a very solid all-around catcher. He has above average athleticism for the position and has great arm strength from behind the plate. He has a disciplined approach at the plate, and with further development could be a capable power hitter as well. He has some mechanics to fine tune as far as receiving goes along with timing and glove positioning, but overall Carmichael has the makings of a very well-rounded player.
Easton Carmichael is currently ranked as the eighth-best prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
