2010s MLB All-Underrated Team
Catcher: Francisco Cervelli
Stats for the decade: .268/.361/.382, 40.1 FRM, 17.5 WAR
Great catchers are hard to come by. Some are known for their powerful arms, while others are elite framers. Some sacrifice defense for offensive productivity, while others are a liability at the plate. Therefore, catchers with the complete package are rare. However, the 2010s were blessed with the likes of Buster Posey and Yadier Molina, both of whom are likely to be enshrined in Cooperstown when they hang up the cleats.
Others had great decades, like Brian McCann and Russell Martin, and have been rewarded with large contracts as a result. Therefore, they cannot be considered underrated. However, Francisco Cervelli can.
Cervelli is a rather unconventional pick at the catcher position, mainly because he spent the first half of the decade as a backup for the New York Yankees. However, when he has been behind the plate in the 2010s, he has been one of the most valuable catchers defensively. He is known as one of the better game managers in the league. Pitchers and managers alike have praised Cervelli for his knowledge of the game, which eventually earned him a starting gig in Pittsburg.
Furthermore, his 40.1 FRM is an impressive statistic that shows his elite ability to frame pitches. While he has never had a great arm, he has been a plus defender behind the plate throughout this decade.
Offensively, Cervelli does not have flashy statistics. He only hit more than 10 home runs in a season once in his career and has never been a big run producer. However, he does all the little things right. He has always hit for average and has an elite ability to draw walks and get on base. His .361 OBP is third only to Joe Mauer and Buster Posey. That’s pretty good company to be in.
When a catcher can hit and call a good game behind the plate, they are met with widespread praise by the baseball community. However, players like Francisco Cervelli deserve more credit for what they can bring to the table at the catcher position.