How do you build the perfect catcher?
There are many different tangible skills that MLB catchers need to have a successful career. They need to be able to block, throw, frame, and then finding receivers who can really hit is a big bonus.
Let’s take a look at catchers who hold a skill at the top of their class since the start of the 2024 season to see how we can build this model catching figure.
Building the Perfect Catcher
OPS+: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Raleigh has been historically on fire in 2025, leading many to consider him the MVP front-runner. His offensive outburst should be more than enough to prove he’s the league’s top backstop. He easily wins the offensive portion of this conversation.
Blocks Above Average: Danny Jansen, Milwaukee Brewers
As an AL East journeyman, the 30-year-old Jansen just departed his third club from that division and now joins the Brewers for the stretch run. The Milwaukee backstop boasts an impressive 23 Blocks Above Average, which is tops among qualified catchers since the start of 2024. Nothing gets past him, and that trait stands out even more in high-pressure moments.
Framing: Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants
Bailey is widely known around the league as a framing magician. His 27 Framing Runs since the start of 2024 beat out Austin Wells for this crown. Bailey particularly stands out among his peers on the edges of the plate, where his strike rate is over 60% over this span.
Caught Stealing Above Average: Luis Torrens, New York Mets
Torrens narrowly beats out Will Smith and Bailey since the start of 2024 in this counting stat, and he holds a whopping 47% caught stealing percentage over that span. That is miles ahead of the other two. Unless your name is Chandler Simpson, you probably should think twice about attempting to steal off this guy.
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