One of the biggest storylines this Spring Training is the backup catcher competition. With James McCann packing his bags for Queens there is a vacant job and three candidates vying to fill it. All three, Zack Collins, Jonathan Lucroy, and Yermin Mercedes have made the decision for Tony La Russa difficult because of their stellar play this spring.

Given that Tony La Russa is looking for a catcher that is able to handle the pitching staff, it would be assumed that the veteran, Jonathan Lucroy has a leg up in the competition. However the White Sox 2016 first round draft pick out of Miami is making a strong case to crack the opening day roster. Collins has been compiling some impressive 2021Cactus League performances. Collins leads the team with a .429 average and a 1.110 OPS. He also ranks second on the team with a .571 slugging percentage.

Collins Is Not Lacking Confidence

Zack Collins streak of recent success has grown his confidence When asked about the making the opening day roster the 26-year old did not hold back.

“One hundred percent, I think if I’m not then it’s a mistake.”

On the surface thats a bold statement for a player that has a career .167 average in the major leagues. His defense has also left a lot to be desired the previous couple of seasons. While the numbers are not pretty, they do not paint a full picture.

Collins has never been given consistent playing time in the majors to truly show what he can do. In Triple-A Charlotte, starting on a regular basis Collins racked. He hit .282 with 19 home runs 74 RBIs and a .403 OBP. That last number stands out because it highlights Collins ability to draw walks. This is a skill the White Sox have lacked in recent years.

Collins Has Been Quietly Improving

While he statement was loud his work behind the scenes has been quiet. Day by day he has improved in nearly every aspect of the game. Collins alternated his offense approach to reduce his strikeouts. He has a great understanding of the strike zone which leads to him taking some boarderline pitches. Yoán Moncada had a similar problem in 2018 when he led the MLB with 217 strikeouts.

His new approach is to come into the box swinging. He still wants to draw his share of walks but he is more aggressive at the plate attacking pitches in the strike zone, especially early in the count.

He has also befriended Yasmani Grandal in an attempt to improve his defense. Collins has known Grandal since he played at the University of Miami and he made sure to pick his brain. The pair worked together during the offseason on how to handle a pitching staff.

Collins has also worked with new catching coach Jerry Narron on catching from a knee. The new stance has improved his pitch framing exponentially. After all the work he has put in Collins feels like he has done more than enough to earn a job.

“I’ve done everything they’ve asked me to do the last couple of years. Worked on my body, worked on my approach, my defense, everything is continuing to grow. I’ve got nothing but high praise out of it. So, I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t be (on the Opening Day roster).”

Collins timeline has never matched up with the White Sox contention window. He has been unable to go through the growing pains in the major leagues that other prospects in the White Sox organization have. By the time he was ready to play the White Sox window of contention was beginning to open. That is why his new found confidence is a breath of fresh air.

The White Sox don’t have time to try and develop Collins at the major league level. If he earns the job he will be thrown into the fire and expected to preform. Mentally he seems up to the task, basking in confidence.