We will be compiling a list of the top three players at each position including designated hitter leading into Spring Training. These MLB best lists are based on career stats/accomplishments, 2018 statistics, and especially their projections going into 2019. Today we continue with Catchers.
Yesterday I went through the top third basemen’s in the game, and today we shift to the catching position.
Without further ado, there are only three spots on the list, so let’s go through the catchers that were just short:
Just Missed
Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals)
Yadier Molina has been one of the best catchers in the game for a substantial amount of time, but he does not make the top three because he is not getting any younger, and his batting average has been declining every year.
Also, Molina is competing against a lot of young catchers in the game that have had better power years, and are in the prime of their career.
Yasmani Grandal (Milwaukee Brewers)
Yasmani Grandal had a great 2018 season, hitting 24 home runs with nearly 70 RBI’s, but I was not going to put him in the top three after he could not play defense whatsoever in the postseason.
He has a new home in Milwaukee after rejecting a four year, $60 million deal which surprised a lot of people including myself. If Grandal can have another great year at the plate, and play better defense behind the plate, he will be in my top three next off season.
Willson Contreras (Chicago Cubs)
After having a breakout 2017 season, Contreras slowed down hitting just ten homers, but is projected to have a better season, hitting more homers with more RBI’s.
Now let’s get to the list starting with the third best catcher in baseball. This catcher has been highly criticized for his lack of defense, but has plenty of power to make up for it…