Top 10 Catchers Right Now

Every year the MLB Network has a Top Ten Right Now series at every Position and here I will breakdown my top 10 at every position. Some you may agree with and some you might not everyone’s list would probably be different in some way shape or form and that’s the beauty of baseball always something to debate. The man in control behind the dish is next on my list, Top 10 Catchers Right Now.

Number 10 on my Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

BRIAN MCCANN

Mac has been a steady performer in the MLB for 13 seasons and was apart of the World Series winning Houston Astros. Mac has only had two seasons in his career in which he did not hit at least 20 homeruns. With a career SLG (Slugging Percentage) of .457 from what is the most important defensive position on the field Brian McCann will look to have another solid season for the Astros in 2018.

Number 9 of the Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

MARTIN MALDONADO

Martin Maldonado had his best season for the Angels and it culminated in winning his first career Gold Glove. A player who was relatively unknown before last season Maldonado set himself apart with an all around season contributing with 14 homeruns and driving in 38. While those numbers may not seem like much Maldonado finally got a chance to be an everyday catcher in 2017 and will look to get better on a underrated LA Angels of Anaheim team in 2018.

Number 8 on this Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

WELINGTON CASTILLO

Castillo broke out in a big way having a career year even in a injury shortened season. Castillo only played in 96 games but he had 20 homeruns 53 RBI’s and an OPS+ of 115. All career best, Welington now in South Side of Castillo with the White Sox he will be a veteran presence on a young up and coming team. Look for a big season out of the White Sox new catcher in 2018.

Number 7 of the Top 10 Catchers Right Now

MIKE ZUNINO

Zunino had a huge power season from the backstop position coming in with 25 homeruns only behind Gary Sanchez (33, NY Yankees) and Salvador Perez (27, KC Royals). It should be another power packed year in 2018 for Zunino. Now the biggest concern about Zunino is his strikeout percentage of nearly 37% in 2017. While the entire MLB has a high strikeout rate Zunino was 5th in all of MLB with his nearly 37%. If he can cut his strikeout rate down he will move up this list.

Number 6 of the Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

YADIER MOLINA

Yadi is probably the greatest catcher I’ve ever seen his defensive ability is absolutely remarkable. He has the ingrained and innate ability to control the game. Everyone knows that his offensive game has had its ups and downs but in 2017 Yadi had 18 homeuns and I see another double digit homerun season in 2018.

Number 5 of the Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

SALVADOR PEREZ 

Perez has been looked at as the next Yadi and thus his position of this list. Sal has more power than Yadi has had in his career. Over the last 3 seasons Perez has amassed 70 homeruns which places him second only 1 homerun behind the DH/C Evan Gattis of the Houston Astros. Another 20+ homeruns season is expected for Perez in 2018.

Number 4 on the list of Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

WILLSON CONTRERAS

Contreras is on the rise after having as breakout year in his first full season with the Cubs. Willison had a WAR of 3.2 and that looks to only move upwards as he matures in his approach at the plate and continues to develop his defensive ability.

Number 3 on the Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

JT REALMUTO

Realmuto has been a consistent performer for the Miami Marlins in his 4 seasons in the MLB. Every year J.T. has improved and thus had his best season in 2017, and that trend should be no different in 2018. As of right now J.T. will be a staple in the middle of there order for a very young and inexperienced Marlins team but expect a solid year out of the dependable veteran in 2018.

Number 2 of the Top 10 Catchers Right Now is

GARY SANCHEZ

Gary Sanchez had a great offensive season in 2017. Even with missing a month with an arm injury Sanchez had 33 homeruns and drove in 90 rbi’s. Sanchez looks to have a lot of opportunities in 2018 to surpass these numbers because of the lineup he will be in. Sanchez’s defense has been called into question because of his deficiency with blocking balls at the end of the regular season and into the post season. Save for the passed balls Sanchez grades out well in every other offensive category, and looking for Sanchez to get better on defense in 2018, as he has reportedly trimmed down in order to address that very issue.

BUSTER POSEY 

Posey has been stalwart at the top spot in Top 10 Catchers Right Now. Posey has always been a consistent contributor with the bat and his defense is only second to Yadi in the National League in my opinion. Posey is the best all around catcher in baseball and remains Number 1 as the Top Catcher Right Now.