2030 Catchers To Watch In The New Year

There will be a lot of softball to watch in 2026, from college to professional to high school and beyond. However, the most important required viewing might be to get a glimpse at the game's future stars. From down south to out west, softball talent is on full display from 2030 athletes. And the players on this list are well worth your attention.   Below, Prep Softball highlights the top catchers to watch from the high school graduating class of 2030.    It's hard to know what to focus on first when you're talking about Mia Salazar. At six tournaments this year while playing for the Texas Bombers, Salazar hit above .500 at the plate, including a dominant weekend at the Huber Ranch Elite Championship in July, where she had 10 hits in 14 at-bats for a .714 batting average, along with nine RBIs and a .750 on-base percentage. She was named to the 14U All-Tournament Team in May, and again in October. Behind the plate, she keeps her head on a swivel, and is alert to all baserunners. She has an accurate arm, a good pop time, and a strong rapport with her pitchers. She has clearly put the work in throughout the year, and the results are showing.     Allie Gautney has been on a roll at the plate lately, and that's an understatement. She finished her middle school career in September with a .532 career batting average, and then barely a month later delivered the game-winning double for her travel ball team, Athletics Gold, in the title game of the Super Select Southern Fall Championships. Her clutch hit capped off a seven-game stretch in which she hit for a .400 batting average. A couple weeks later at the Veterans Tribute Showcase, she again had a productive weekend, hitting .625 at the plate with three doubles. She is a legitimate power threat with the bat, and is not only able to rack up doubles, but also home runs. Defensively, she has a strong arm, good composure, and a high softball IQ.     More often than not, Ava Dangott will throw you out. In just November alone, she has already thrown out three runners trying to steal a bag. Overall, she has an impressive 60% caught-stealing rate. With her quick pop time and overall growing confidence behind the dish, that number is likely to go up. She's performing fairly well with the bat, too. The Centennial State product has already racked up three home runs this month, and has a .571 batting average. At the Loretta B. Smith Tournament earlier this month, she picked up seven hits and nine RBIs over six games to help lead her travel ball squad to a perfect record. She will indeed be a player to look out for in the years to come.     Perhaps the greatest part of Kinsley Dickson's game is her constant encouragement. She goes out of her way to support her teammates and build up their confidence. Not only does that create team cohesion overall, but it is also a sign of leadership in the making. On the field, she does not hesitate, and is capable of making quick decisions. She has a strong arm behind the plate, clear confidence, and throws strikes to her infielders. With her bat, she consistently has a smart approach at the plate, does not try to do too much, and is not afraid to take the ball the other way. She will be a player to watch not only for her ability, but also for her knowledge and respect for the game.     This year has been one of serious production at the plate for Evie Sanders. Over the course of March and April alone she hit four bombs, and collected 15+ RBIs for her TN Mojo team. She also finished her middle school season in April with, fittingly, a home run, as well as a .600 batting average with 24 RBIs. In a situation with runners on base where a hit is desperately needed, she is the batter you want up to bat. In addition to her power at the plate, she can hold her own with the glove. She is an integral part of a team that prides itself on its defense.

There will be a lot of softball to watch in 2026, from college to professional to high school and beyond. However, the most important required viewing might be to get a glimpse at the game's future stars. From down south to out west, softball talent is on full display from 2030 athletes. And the players on this list are well worth your attention.