The Arizona Diamondbacks have two terrific catching prospects, but Carlos Virahonda is the one who made the most noise in 2026.

Virahonda, 20, was recently named the team's Minor League Player of the Year. 

The Venezuelan native is currently the team's No. 5 overall prospect, and while he's outside MLB Pipeline's Top 100, that is certainly the next goal for someone as skilled as he is.

Virahonda, who's directly competing with No. 2 prospect Ryder Helfrick to be the first catcher called up, has an ETA of 2028 while Helfrick's isn't until 2029.

At 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, Virahonda is fresh off a 19-home-run, 94-RBI season where he swiped a few bases and had an unbelievable batting average to go along with an OPS that was near .900.

Officially, he ended the year at Double-A, and that's the likely starting point for him in the 2027 season.

Remember, even if there's an MLB lockout, these minor leaguers are still going to be playing, as the CBA is a completely separate thing in the MiLB.

Virahonda began the season at A-ball where he had 187 at-bats in 48 games. As crazy as it is to say, he had as many home runs (10) as he did doubles (10), but it's worth noting he sprinkled in a pair of triples as well.

The 20-year-old may have struck out 40 times, but he drew 14 walks and drove in 57 RBIs.

Virahonda slashed .273/.359/.508 at A with a rock-solid OPS of .867.

Hitting like that at A is one thing, but to do so at A+ as a near-teenager is another. 

Virahonda slashed .272/.393/.468 at A+ with a .861 OPS. Keep in mind, this was no shortage of sample size as he appeared in 50 games and had 173 at-bats.

The Diamondbacks' newest Minor League Player of the Year once again hit as many home runs (eight) as he did doubles.

He hit one triple at A+, but most importantly, only struck out 36 times and drew 23 walks.

Also, it's worth noting Virahonda had exactly three stolen bases in both A and A+ this season.

Virahonda had an overall OPS of .870 in the 2026 season, and that was partially skewed due to his .989 OPS at Double-A.

He only had 15 at-bats in four games, but three of his four hits were for extra bases (two doubles and a home run). In total, he had three RBIs and touched home three times.