Walker Janek entered 2024 regarded as one of the top catchers in the country, and has only solidified that distinction with his play this season.
He opened the season with a 23-game hit streak, the longest in Sam Houston State history to start a year, and has homered in four consecutive games on two occasions. Offensively, he ranks in the top three in Conference USA in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, triples and runs scored, and ranks tops in the SHSU career record books in each of those categories among three-year players.
But as good as the bat has been, it is on the defensive side where he shines even brighter. Scouts and draft prognosticators alike have raved about his defensive abilities and framing skills, which have him positioned to possibly be the first catcher off the board in July’s MLB Draft.
This year, he has almost single-handedly shut down opponent’s running games in 2024, throwing out 14 of 26 attempted swipers as of May 5, with opponents attempting only 13 steals with him behind the plate since March 6.