For the following weeks I will be ranking players for the upcoming season. I will be looking at previous seasons, their 2016 season and projectability.
Catchers
5. Cubs Catcher:
Wilson Contreras. Why I love Wilson is not because of his clutch hits during the 2016 postseason (not so much in the world series), but for the fact that he is entering his age 24 season. His slash line of .282/.357/.488 was very promising for a position that usually glorifies defense. That is why in his first year Contreras proved to me, and most of the MLB that he is hear to stay, and could be an All-Star at this position for many years to come.
4. Nationals Catcher:
Wilson Ramos. Being from the DC area I am a little biased to having Ramos on this list, but after a breakout season where he batted over .300 and had twenty two home runs he showcased that bat that most catchers never find. Ramos might have been higher on the list if he could keep his pre-Allstar break numbers where his batting average was flirting around .350.
3. Yankees Catcher:
Gary Sanchez. This man might be the best young talent in all of baseball including Harper, Trout, and Arenado. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but what he could do in only 53 games and hit twenty home runs and still bat .299 was phenomenal for any hitter let alone a catcher. What was most impressive was his .376 on base and .657 slugging percentages because it shows that he isn't just a power hitter he gets on base by working walks and hits a lot of extra base hits in general not just home runs. I hope his defense doesn't hinder him from playing catcher for the rest of his career.
2. Royals Catcher:
Salvador Perez. Salvador Perez is a very underrated catcher. His offensive numbers unlike the rest of the players on this list are not as impressive, but in the past five years he has lead the league twice in caught stealing and total runs saved, led the league once in double plays and putouts, and three times in most games played and assists. As an old Yadier Molina fades off Salvador Perez is the new defensive catcher, but he is more than average with the bat among other catchers. That is why he sits comfortably at number two for now.
1. Giants Catcher:
Buster Posey. Hands down Buster Posey is the best catcher in baseball the reign of Yadier Molina and Joe Mauer was dethroned when Posey came in the league and became the perfect middle of these two perennial all stars. Buster Posey has won three championships, a batting title, an MVP, multiple silver sluggers, and a gold glove. He is the standard behind the plate. Posey has been playing some games the past couple years at first base to save him for the future, and this is the only knock for who I think could eventually become the best catcher in history.
