Garrett Hope Excited About Bigger Role with Great Lakes

Catching prospect Garrett Hope is excited for his role on the Great Lakes Loons in 2018. Hope, who is expected to handle the majority of the catching duties this season for the Low-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, talks about the adjustments he made this offseason to earn a larger workload for 2018.

“I lost 20 pounds this offseason, which helped with my flexibility,” stated Hope. “Another area I focused on was my swing. I was told I could catch at any level, but I needed to hit more.”

Hitting more was a major focal point to Hope’s spring training, and he’s happy with the results so far. “I had a really good spring training,” explained Hope. “I’m finally using the same swing I’ve been using the last year and a half. I’m using the same approach, instead of changing my hand paths like I did in the past.”

That adjustment showed late last season, as the 24-year-old had his best season to date at the plate. Finishing his year with a .262/.347/.523 slash line with seven doubles, and nine home runs in 130 at-bats was an excellent way to finish his season.

While he found some success at the plate in 2017, the righty is still better known for his defensive prowess behind the plate. Hope has logged 520.2 innings behind the plate to date in his career. The prospect has maintained an impressive .988 fielding percentage at the challenging position, and has thrown out 27 of 84 runners trying to steal a base against him.

But it’s more than the great numbers that makes Hope love his role. It’s his ability to manage the team, and take charge on the field. “Our motto is serve to lead,” said Hope. “Us catchers take care of everybody else. We put our needs last for the better of the team.”

Fans of the Dodgers will be following Garrett Hope’s progression all season.