Catchers have the potential to impact the game more than any other defenders. They block pitches, call games, control the running game and earn extra strikes with their receiving skills.
But it’s often a thankless position that takes a physical toll unlike any other, so it’s worth recognizing the game’s best defensive catchers…
1. Yadier Molina, Cardinals
The best hitting Molina brother might also be the best defender in the family. Yadier does well in the advanced metrics, and it’s also telling that Cardinals pitchers posted an MLB-best 2.94 ERA in 2015. It’s a safe bet that figure would be higher without the eight-time Gold Glove winner.
2. Russell Martin, Blue Jays
Martin does it all: blocking, throwing, framing, you name it. He led the American League with 32 runners caught stealing in 2015, and the numbers back up his reputation as one of the game’s top receivers; he ranked seventh in baseball with 2.8 framing runs above average six weeks into the 2016 season.
3. Salvador Perez, Royals
Perez leads all catchers with 12 runners caught stealing in 2016, but the three-time Gold Glove winner’s best attribute may be his durability. He averaged 143 games per season from 2013-15 as the Royals progressed from afterthoughts to World Series winners.
4. Yasmani Grandal, Dodgers
Grandal makes up for an average throwing arm with top-notch receiving skills. The 27-year-old ranked second among all catchers with 4.5 framing runs above average through the first six weeks of the season.
5. Francisco Cervelli, Pirates
Cervelli quietly put together a breakout season for the 2015 Pirates. An adept pitch framer, he made just seven errors in more than 1,000 innings behind the plate last year.
6. Buster Posey, Giants
It didn’t take long for the converted shortstop to establish himself as an elite two-way player. Though he’s best-known for his bat — he’s easily the best hitting catcher in the game — he also ranks third among all catchers with 4.3 framing runs above average in 2016.
7. Wilson Ramos, Nationals
Ramos has had trouble staying on the field in recent years, but he’s a difference maker when healthy. He threw out 44 percent of would-be base stealers last year, which tied him for second in baseball with Martin.
8. Brian McCann, Yankees
With 3.0 framing runs above average through the first six weeks of the season, McCann ranks among the best in baseball. He’s also durable enough to have ranked among the top four in games caught in seven of the last 10 seasons.
9. Jason Castro, Astros
Though he’s struggled offensively of late, Castro led all catchers with 7.0 framing runs above average through the first six weeks of the season
10. Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers
Lucroy doesn’t get much recognition, but he’s quietly a productive two-way player. No NL catcher has thrown out more batters in 2016.
