Ranking the NL East: Catchers

Aug 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher

(40) hits a walk off RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

# 3 – Wilson Ramos (Washington Nationals)

It’s a shame that a 27-year old with Ramos’ ability is sitting third on this list. Nevertheless, here we are and it’s strictly because he can’t stay healthy. Over the years, he’s missed time because of knee surgery (missing nearly the entire 2012 season), hamstring issues, as well as wrist and thigh issues. Since 2011, he’s missed 239 games due to injury while playing in just 326. Ugh. Last season, he couldn’t even wait until after the first game of the season before losing 32 games after fracturing his hamate bone.

When he does play, Ramos has power to all fields, plays solid defense, and has an unshakeable confidence in his ability to throw behind runners at first. He trusts his strong arm. Nats’ fans probably held their collective breath more than a few times last season one of the quick flicks of Ramos’ arm looking to catch a baserunner unawares.

Last season, Ramos hit 11 home runs in 88 games. In 2013, he hit 16 home runs in 78 games. So, yeah, he can hit for power. For his career, he has hit .269/.317/.418 with a wRC+ of 104. If he can stay healthy, he would likely top the 20 home run mark. Steamer projects him to come in at 105 games played and 16 home runs for the 2015 season.

If he plays in 105 games, it will mark just the second time in his career he’s topped 100. I’ll take the wait-and-see approach when it comes to that projection.

Next: Number Two?