Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: The Top Players at Each Position

By Nick Fustor

Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

Catcher

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Wilson Ramos

A strong argument can be made for Buster Posey as the league’s top catcher this season, but Ramos’ production has been consistent since the start of the season.  Whereas Posey was a mere average hitter to start the season, Ramos has been among the league leaders in batting statistics since the onset of the season.

With only a .229/.258/.358 slash line last season and a career-worst 20 percent strikeout rate, Ramos looked to be nothing more than a defense first catcher who occasionally produces at the plate.

But this season, the 28-year-old has turned a corner.  A refined approach at the plate has led to career-best numbers across the board without sacrificing defense.  Ramos is currently slashing .336/.386/.548 with 12 homers and 44 RBI.

While he’s typically struggled against righties in seasons past, this year Ramos is crushing them. He’s currently hitting .362 with nine home runs and 15 walks against right-handed pitchers.  Ramos has also been solid against lefties, too, as he’s hitting a respectable .250.

Much of Ramos’ success this season can be attributed to his newfound discipline at the plate.  Along with his high strikeout numbers last season, he rarely walked.  This season, however, he’s only striking out 12.1 percent of the time while drawing walks in 7.6 percent of his at-bats.

His dependable defense has been consistent this season, as well.  A 3.8 defensive WAR isn’t as impressive as the 11.1 mark he posted last season, but it’s solid nonetheless.

Ramos has been one of the main contributors to a Nationals team currently fighting off the Mets atop the NL East.

Honorable Mentions: Buster Posey, Jonathan Lucroy, Salvador Perez, J.T. Realmuto

Next: First Base

Home/MLB News