Sep 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher
Wilson Ramos(40) hits a single in game two of a doubleheader against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
While the catchers in the NL East don’t boast the offensive pedigree of those in the Central division, there are still quite a few excellent backstops with the potential to put up some extremely impressive numbers. No, the Washington Nationals Wilson Ramos and Philadelpia Phillies’ Carlos Ruiz won’t suddenly morph into wRC+ monsters like Jonathan Lucroy and Devin Mesoraco did last season, but the group is solid as a whole. If a few players can avoid injuries (speaking to you Ramos and Travis d’Arnaud) the group could be every bit as good as the men calling the game in the Central.
Overall, Ruiz is the elder statesmen in this group, playing his 2015 season at the hair graying age of 36. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the only other regular here entering his 30s. For as long as he’s been in the league, Ramos won’t turn 28 until August (making ’15 his age 27 season) and is only two years older than d’Arnaud, the much hyped Mets backstop that struggled early last season, but showed real promise by season’s end.
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Additionally, the Braves traded away Evan Gattis to the Houston Astros this offseason to make room for the rookie Christian Bethancourt. Bethancourt is all of 23-years old, boasts youthful athleticism and a powerful throwing arm. Plus, he gives Braves fans hope in a season otherwise projected as a rebuilding year.
With the throat clearing out of the way, let’s take a look at the NL East catchers as seen through the eyes of a less than impartial observer.
Next: Number Five?