All MLB Team: Who deserves to be named the game’s best catcher?

As fans vote for the inaugural All MLB team, there are a few really tough choices across each position. However, the debate surrounding who deserves to be named the league’s best catcher is perhaps the most intriguing. 

Throughout history, catchers have been valued mainly for their defense. The average catcher is strong defensively, but relatively weak offensively. Typically, those who are strong offensively lack elite defensive capabilities. There were exceptions, of course.

However, we are living in a different era. Now, the game’s best catchers have the complete package. Thus, the first ever All-MLB team ballot is loaded with all around talent at the catcher position. The ballot includes the likes of J.T. Realmuto, Yasmani Grandal, Mitch Garver, Gary Sanchez, Wilson Contreras, Christian Vazquez, and Roberto Perez.

The seven candidates combined for 189 total home runs and a .852 OPS. So, which one of them is the best of the best? What separates the good from the great, and the great from the best, is a combination of offensive productivity and stellar defense.

So, let’s break down the list of candidates and unveil who deserves the crown as the best catcher in baseball.