Ranking the projected starting American League catchers

Salvador Perez has made six straight All-Star teams. [Image Source: Flickr | James Weatherly]
Salvador Perez has made six straight All-Star teams. [Image Source: Flickr | James Weatherly]

Salvador Perez leads the way as the top American League catcher for the 2019 season.

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The backstop has become somewhat of a black hole for some teams when it comes to offense. Having a catcher who is consistently productive at the plate can be a real boon for franchises. There aren't too many of those in the Junior Circuit.

With every team beginning regular season play in just a little over two months, it is time to look at the projected starting catchers for the American League. The projected starting catchers, listed here, were taken from Roster Resource.

With someone like J.T. Realmuto on the trade market, and a few free agents remaining unsigned, there is the chance of these starting catchers changing by the time the regular season kicks off. Also, just because someone is listed as the projected starting catcher doesn't mean that will be the case come Opening Day.

There isn’t too much depth at the American League catcher position making it very hard to rank. As a subjective list, many of the catchers can almost be considered interchangeable as to where they are ranked.

1

Salvador Perez, Royals

The 28-year-old Perez has been named an All-Star each of the last six seasons. While his average dipped to .235 in 2018, he hit 27 homers and drove in 80 runs for the second straight year. He also won his fifth Gold Glove in the last six seasons.

2

Gary Sanchez, Yankees

It was an ugly season for the 26-year-old Sanchez in 2018, as he hit only .186 in 89 games. Though, the previous year saw him hit .278 with 33 homers in 122 games. According to the New York Post, he was thankful for 2018 for giving him more adversity. He has led the league in passed balls each of the last two years but has been throwing out baserunners at an above-average rate.

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