Jordan Newton

JORDAN NEWTON
CATCHER
Born: August 29, 1985
Height: 5′ 10″
Weight: 195
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 6th Round, 172nd Overall, 2006
How Acquired: Minor League FA
College: Western Kentucky
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

The Pirates signed Newton out of independent ball to play at Bradenton after both Tony Sanchez and Eric Fryer sustained serious injuries from being hit in the face with pitches. Newton had played a little outfield as well as catching, even appearing in center a few times. 

2006-09: Hit well with Tigers, with better power than most minor league catchers, although plate discipline wasn’t good. He threw out 27% of opposing base stealers in 2008-09. Given draft round and scarcity of decent-hitting catchers, it’s surprising Detroit cut him loose so soon.

2010: Managed to avoid the injury plague afflicting the Marauders and hit very well. Caught only a little, mostly serving as a DH and also playing a few games in left. Threw out only two of 25 base stealers in ten games behind plate.

Newton won’t be eligible for minor league free agency for a couple years, so he’s likely to return as a catcher/utility player in class A, or possibly even AA if he continues to hit.

STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2011: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: $155,000
MiLB Debut: 2006
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2012
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3 (USED: N/A)
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 4, 2003: Drafted by the New York Mets in the 31st round, 919th overall pick.
June 7, 2006: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 6th round, 172nd overall pick.
June 19, 2006: Signed by the Detroit Tigers to a minor league contract with a $155,000 bonus.
June 3, 2010: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a minor league free agent.