Position: C
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 220 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 12/13/1999
College: University of North Carolina - Charlotte
Drafted: 16th Round, 481st Overall, 2021 (Cards)
How Acquired: Rule 5 Draft, Minor League Phase, 2024 (from Cards)
Bonus: $50,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Cards drafted McKeithan as a glove-oriented catcher. He’s shown solid contact ability and plate discipline, usually hitting for fairly good averages. He hasn’t shown much power. His caught stealing percentage in the minors has been 14%, but he commits few passed balls. The Pirates acquired him in the minor league phase of the 2024 Rule 5 draft.
2021-24
The Cards sent McKeithan to low A after he signed and he batted just .154, but it was only in 22 games. He went back to the level in 2022 and hit much better, with a 284/392/407 line in 59 games, then moved up to high A for 25 games.
McKeithan went back to high A in 2023 and spent the season there, although he played a little under half the time. He again improved his hitting, this time to 266/375/353. He spent all of 2024 in AA and put up a .681 OPS.
Stats
Transactions
July 13, 2021: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 16th round, 481st overall pick; signed on July 19.
December 11, 2024: Selected in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft from the St. Louis Cardinals by the Pittsburgh Pirates.