First half standouts:Catcher

July 19th, 2022

Alejandro Kirk

.315 AVG .882 OPS

45 Runs 11 HR 37 RBI 0 SB

Kirk's breakout has finally arrived after a monster first half of the season. Kirk showed potentially last year hitting 8 home runs in only 189 plate appearances but was limited with his playing time. He only appeared in 60 games for the Blue Jays. With an injury to starter Danny Jansen, Kirk capitalized off the opportunity to prove himself this season. Kirk's plate discipline has propelled him to the top of the ranks among catchers. His xBA is in line with his actual BA at .317. This bodes well for an overall monster breakout season and an unbelievable mark for the catcher position. His stat cast data backs up what he's doing on the field plus he's in the top 20 in average exit velocity league-wide at 91.5 mph.

J.T. Realmuto

.252 AVG .722 OPS

42 Runs 8 HR 38 RBI 12 SB

Realmuto provides power and speed at the catcher position, a task that cannot be overlooked. Realmuto has battled injuries the past few seasons including this one. He has taken a step back from his elite power numbers but certainly has made up for it on the base paths. He is on pace to break his career high in stolen bases by a large margin (13 SB). At 31 years old, this could be the start of the decline in production for the former all-star catcher.

Will Smith

.272 AVG .842 OPS

37 Runs 14 HR 47 RBI 0 SB

The former 1st round pick is turning into a superstar at the catcher position. Batting in the middle of the Dodgers potent lineup, Smith is having another successful season. Smith's success starts with excellent plate discipline with an above average walk rate and K rate. He also ranks in the 98th percentile in chase rate. Smith's xBA (.270) lines up with his season mark so he'll look to continue a balanced approach at the plate while piling up counting stats in the amazing Dodger lineup.

Willson Contreras

.254 AVG .821 OPS

48 Runs 13 HR 35 RBI 3 SB

Contreras may be playing for a new team by the trade deadline this season so he's making the most of his time in Wrigley. His power numbers have remained consistent throughout his career and are playing a huge part this season. Depending on where he lands in trade, he could be looking at a new career high in home runs by the end of the year (24 HRs). With a xBA of .261 he'll look to continue his power surge with his excellent hard hit rate and exit velocity.

Daulton Varsho

.233 AVG .708 OPS

39 Runs 12 HR 45 RBI 5 SB

Another budding star at the catcher position made waves in the first half of 2022. His batting average is lacking but his power numbers have carried him so far. Varsho is an extremely exciting prospect at just 26 years old. He has the tools to become a future all star with a power-speed profile that is so unique at the position. Varsho's value also comes from being able to play in the outfield which leads to more playing time and at bats as the season rolls along. His xBA sits at .226 for the season so he'll do his best to keep his average above the Mendoza line while providing a power-speed combo that is very valuable to the rebuilding Diamondbacks.