Call to the pen
Fansided

Ranking the top catchers in MLB approaching Opening Day

By Nick Fustor

Oct 25, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (left) calls for an intentional walk on San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (right) in the sixth inning during game four of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (left) calls for an intentional walk on San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (right) in the sixth inning during game four of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports
Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports /

10. Blake Swihart

Blake Swihart burst onto the scene with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 after a season-ending injury to Christian Vazquez, and the 23-year-old took full advantage of his opportunity. While his defense needs work, his .274/.319/.392 slash line bodes very well for the future. More importantly, he hit .303 in the second half of the season which should help him retain the starting job against the now healthy Vazquez.

9. Yasmani Grandal

Yasmani Grandal has never been a consistently productive hitter, but his 2015 season proved why he was a former top prospect.  With 16 home runs last season, he’s capable of providing pop at the bottom of a lineup.  He also hit .282 in the first half of last season, and if he returns to that form he can quickly become a popular name among catchers.

8. Brian McCann

While he’ll likely never approach a .300 average again, Brian McCann still possesses plus power at the plate.  His 26 home runs and 94 RBI last season were both career-highs and could be replicated in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. At 32, though, his best days as a defensive presence may be behind him.

7. Francisco Cervelli

Entering last season as career backup with the New York Yankees, Cervelli broke out in a big way in his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The 30-year-old hit .295 with a .771 OPS in 510 plate appearances while also driving in 43 runs.  Cervelli hit consistently well throughout the season, which bodes well for his upcoming 2016 campaign.

6. Travis d’Arnaud

If it weren’t for injury issues that limited him to 67 games, Travis d’Arnaud would be a sure-fire top five catcher.  In only 268 plate appearances, the 27-year-old hit .268 with a .485 slugging percentage and 12 home runs.  It may be premature to place him this high on the list, but if he can stay healthy this season d’Arnaud will become a recognized force in the middle of the New York Mets lineup.

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