In terms of young talent, the National League is at the highest it's been in years. This statement rings especially true for the catcher position.
Players such as Brian McCann, Russel Martin, Geovany Soto, and Yadier Molina will make the National League extremely fun to watch over the next decade. But the question remains, who is the best of the four?
Offense
When it comes to hitting, Yadier Molina is inferior to McCann, Soto, and Martin. Soto has emerged in his rookie year, but really has no track record to go on. So the discussion boils down between McCann and Martin. McCann has the higher average, home run total, RBIs, and Slugging Percentage. It is not that Martin is poor in these qualities, just that McCann is outstanding.
Edge: McCann
Defense
Unlike offensive ability, Molina takes the gold. Just as McCann is clearly the superior offensive backstop, Molina is the best defensive catcher in the National League. Martin comes in a close second, followed by Soto and lastly McCann.
Edge: Molina
Leadership
Truthfully, the only reason this is even a category is because of Martin. Ever since being called up to the Majors, scouts have raved about his leadership abilities. He even played some third base this year for the Dodgers. Along with having great leadership characteristics, Martin can steal bases. This is where he gets most of his points.
Edge: Martin
Overall
1. McCann
While his defense isn't up to par with the other backstops, his abilities with the bat more than make up for it. Its not that his defense and arm are so poor, but rather that the others are super defensive catchers. McCann is a rare breed—a young, left-handed hitting catcher.
2. Martin
He can do it all, from defense to hitting—and he can run as well. As for as the complete package, he is probably the most well-rounded of the four. Combine that with his rare leadership abilities, and you have an All-Star backstop for years to come.
3. Molina
Yes, I know he has had trouble with his offense—but it is getting better. In fact, he has upped his average to .286 this year. His defense just like McCann's offense—is second to none when comparing the four young catchers.
4. Soto
Soto is a very talented rookie backstop, however he is already 25 (McCann is just 24) and does not have enough Major League expiernce to fully compare with the other three catchers. He is going to be in a great lineup in a hitters ballpark for years to come, and that can only help his cause.
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4 months ago
Martin is a leader through his all out play, but I'd be careful to say, "Martin can steal bases. This is where he gets most of his points," under leadership qualities. Stealing bases is an offensive ability, not a leadership quality. But, nice job on this.
4 months ago
I'm going to disagree with you, I think Soto is the best young catcher in the NL. That's why he's leading that position for All Star voting.
4 months ago
I will admit having a bias (I am a Braves fan), but Soto is not better than McCann, and as far as Martin, stealing bases is extremely rare in a catcher, and what is also rare is being a leader from the moment you step into the big leagues
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