Luke Scherrer
Luke Scherrer
Position: C
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 12/13/2004
High School: Yucaipa (CA) HS
How Acquired: Non-drafted Free Agent
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2029
Options Left: 3
Overview
Scherrer was a rather surprising signing for the Pirates shortly after the 2023 draft signing period ended. He wasn’t drafted and Baseball America didn’t have him ranked in its top 500 draft prospects. Perfect Game had him ranked 131st overall, though, and he had the best pop time among catchers at PG’s 2022 showcase. He also pitched in high school, but scouts prefer him as a catcher. He’s thought to have some power potential, although he didn’t hit for a lot of power in high school. The Pirates had a lot of bonus pool space left unspent after the draft, in fact the most of any team. It’s possible they used some of that to go over the $150,000 slot for non-drafted free agents, but Scherrer’s bonus isn’t known.
2023-24
Scherrer got into four FCL games after signing. He went 0-for-6 and threw out one of seven base stealers. In 2024, he generally served as the backup catcher to Richard Ramirez, but eventually hit his way into regular playing time, so he saw almost as much time at first as behind the plate. He also played twice in right. Overall, Scherrer batted 273/406/345, with very good walk and K rates of 13% and 15%, respectively. He improved after the early going, with an OPS of .660 in May, then .754 and .756 in June and July. The main thing lacking was power, as his eight extra-base hits were all doubles, but he may have the potential to produce more as he matures. He threw out 23% of base stealers.
Stats
Transactions
July 21, 2023: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.