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MLB Projections: Top 10 Catchers in 2020

By Manny Gómez

BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 17: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning during Game 4 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 17: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning during Game 4 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

MLB Projections: Top 10 Catchers in 2020

#9 – Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

With 16 MLB seasons under his belt, Yadier Molina continues to be one of baseball’s best catchers. Based on “Steamer” projections, Yadi ranks 9th on this list as he has already turned 37-years-old and should start to show some signs of wear and tear.

Having already won 9 Gold Glove Awards, four of them Platinum Gloves, Yadi is looking to finish off his career with one more chip. He is signed for one more season and the chances of an age 38 return at this highly taxing position seem unlikely.

#8 – Mike Zunino, Tampa Bay Rays

Mike Zunino won’t wow anybody with his bat. In fact, chances are that he’ll hover around the Mendoza Line for the 2020 MLB season, right where he’s lived in 6 of his 7 big league seasons.

But that’s not why the Tampa Bay Rays like Zunino so much. Resembling his manager when he was a player (Kevin Cash), it’s his glove that makes him so valuable.

Among MLB catchers with a minimum 650 innings, Zunino holds a 12.7 Def rating in FanGraphs. His Defensive Runs Saved? Sixth best at +9 DRS during the 2019 season.

#7 – Danny Jansen, Toronto Blue Jays

Danny Jansen is a 2-year veteran of the Toronto Blue Jays who took on the majority at the catching position last season. Much like Zunino, Jansen left a lot to be desired at the plate, only slashing .207 / .279 / .360.

He does, however, flash a good glove. In fact, last season, Jansen was one of only 11 catchers in baseball to catch a minimum of 850 innings. Of those 11, Jansen ranks fifth according to FanGraphs with a 17.4 Def. His 12 DRS ranked second among these catchers, behind only Roberto Perez of the Cleveland Indians.

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