When asked who the best catcher in the league is, the first names that come to mind are guys like Buster Posey, Yadier Molina, or Gary Sanchez, but a lot of people are forgetting about one of the most unique catchers we’ve ever seen: J.T. Realmuto
You might be asking, how could you possibly think Realmuto is on the same level as these guys? What does he have that other catchers don’t?
Realmuto does many things for the Miami Marlins that are often overlooked, even though they are highly valuable to the team. First, Realmuto currently hits second in the Marlins lineup, something that not many catchers do.
Realmuto also has speed that no other catcher can match. Most catchers are either power hitters or offensive liabilities, but not Realmuto. He has been able to make plays using his legs, and it truly shows on the stat sheet.
Realmuto has a .500 batting average so far in this young season, currently holding the top spot in baseball in that category. He has also hit two home runs and driven in six runs in his 22 at-bats this season. Obviously, Realmuto will not bat .500 this season, but his .303/.343/.428 in 2016 was good for 3.4 offensive WAR, the third-best mark among major-league catchers behind only Jonathan Lucroy and Wilson Ramos. Yet Realmuto remains overlooked and it’s extremely sad.
With his skills behind the plate, at the plate, and on the bases, Realmuto has the potential to be one of the best catchers in baseball. The sky is the limit for the 26-year-old.
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