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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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

MLB Projections: Top 10 Catchers in 2020

#6 – Roberto Perez, Cleveland Indians

After five seasons as the backup catcher in Cleveland, Roberto Perez finally took the position over full-time in 2019 and looks to never look back. With 24 home runs and a .774 OPS, Perez will look to improve offensively in 2020, but that’s not what makes him so valuable.

Last season, Perez was by far the best defensive catcher in baseball. He led all catchers in DRS with 29. The next closest catcher was the aforementioned Danny Jansen who posted a 12 DRS.

With the Cleveland Indians looking toward a rebuild, Perez will be the perfect veteran to usher in the next era of the “Tribe.” Look for the 2019 Gold Glove Award winner to win a second consecutive in 2020.

#5 – Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees

Despite the stats not necessarily showing it, Gary Sanchez’s 2019 MLB season was arguably his best as a big leaguer. That’s because not only did he return to form offensively, he drastically improved his defense as well.

For the 2019 season, Sanchez led all catchers with 34 home runs, slashing .232 / .316 / .525, but this doesn’t tell his entire offensive story. Remove July from the equation and “The Kraken’s” numbers change quite drastically to .255 / .340 / .585. What’s more, 33 of his 34 HR were hit in months not named July.

#4 – Christian Vazquez, Boston Red Sox

Like Roberto Perez of the Indians, Christian Vazquez spent most of his career as a backup in Boston. In 2019, however, he took on the role of everyday catcher and excelled.

Not only did he hit like one of the best catchers in the league (.276 / .320 / .477), but defensively he was one of the best catchers in the game. In 918 innings behind the plate, Vazquez ranks third in defensive rating according to FanGraphs, saving 5 runs along the way.

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