Washington Nationals: Who Is Catching When It Counts?

PEDRO SEVERINO

All signs point to Severino becoming the catcher of the future.

He handled well the pitchers in Triple-A Syracuse this season and earned playing time when Wilson Ramos injured his knee at the end of the regular season.

Although he will not replace Ramos’ offensive ability and arm, Severino caught over half a season with Syracuse and played well. His .271 batting average and 79 hits in 291 at-bats bode well for the future. With 13 doubles and two home runs, his ability to hit singles is crucial.

Striking out 45 times in that span is good. He is not hacking at pitches at the plate. Experience is a good teacher. With his quick rise up the minor league chain, whatever Severino learns this spring will serve him well in the future.

With all the young pitchers making the big club, they are with his ability to call a game. Although Mike Maddux called his pitches during the NL Divisional Series, Severino will work on game management next spring at West Palm Beach.

Best case scenario is the 2017 job is his to lose. Young and confident, he can take his new job by storm and assure the front office the money spent this offseason was better spent elsewhere.