Age: 24
2019 Level: A+/AA
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 30/35
Game Power: 45/55
Raw Power: 55/55
Run: 40/40
Glove: 40/45
Arm: 50/50
Most Likely Future Role: Bench Bat/3rd Catcher
Ceiling: 2nd Division Catcher
What we know: Cumberland is a patient late count hitter. With that comes plenty of walks and plenty of strikeouts. He’s walked 11.8% in his MiLB career and that hasn’t decrease as he’s moved up the ladder. Unlike many minor leaguers, Cumberland has the power to keep taking walks at the MLB level. So while he’s not likely to hit more than .230-.240, he could still be a .350 OBP guy. That’s a strong line for a catcher and if he was an average glove behind the plate, he’d be a future regular. But alas, he’s a below average defender, a stiff receiver with just an ok arm.
What we don’t know: Will he develop enough defensively for a team to trust him behind the plate? He’s improved since his college days, but needs to keep improving. Does he make enough contact for the power to play? He’s only caught as a pro, how will he take to 1B or an outfield corner to increase his versatility?
What we think: I think Cumberland will hit. He’s a switch-hitter with a modern pull flyball approach and above average raw power. His swing was high effort and muscled, but has smoothed it out in 2019, improving fluidity. I think he has MLB value as a patient hitter with pop off the bench who gives you another option at catcher and can play some 1B/DH to spell the regulars. If the defense improves more than expected, he could be a bat-first backup catcher or even a 2nd division regular.
Another Take: Cumberland is a stiff swinging, defensively challenged catcher that does just enough to keep some evaluators interested due to his pop and switch-hitting capabilities. He could potentially find his way into a backup catching position if he can hit with enough power to provide a little spark off the bench. (Tony Pente)
