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Every MLB Team's Greatest Catcher of All Time - All 30 Franchises. Read Every MLB Team's Greatest Catcher of All Time - All 30 Franchises
Every MLB Team's Greatest Catcher of All Time - All 30 Franchises
The catcher position has been occupied by some of the sport’s greatest players. Read ahead as we highlight the greatest catcher of all time for all 30 MLB teams. Will you agree with our selections?
Arizona Diamondbacks
Miguel Montero
The Diamondbacks do not have the most illustrious history behind the plate. Montero spent the first nine seasons of his MLB career in the desert. During this stretch, Montero was named to two All-Star teams and finished 21st and 32nd in NL MVP voting in the 2011 and 2012 campaigns, respectively. Among catchers in the team history, he has caught the most games, tallied the most hits, and hit the most home runs. He would later go on to win a World Series with the Cubs in 2016.
Athletics
Mickey Cochrane
While Terry Steinbach does have an impressive resume and would be viewed as the top catcher on many teams, Mickey Cochrane will hold the spot on this list. Cochrane was one of the best hitters in the game when playing for the then-Philadelphia Athletics. During his time with the club, Cochrane would win one MVP (would win his second with Detroit) and would finish within the top-10 in voting in four other seasons. The Hall of Famer would hold a career .321 AVG with the club.
Atlanta Braves
Javy Lopez
The Braves have had four catchers in their franchise history who have tallied at least 1,000 hits with the club, but Javy Lopez’s impact will earn him a spot on the list. Lopez flashed the most power among these backstops as he leads the position (among Braves) in all-time home runs and has the second-most hits. Lopez was the primary backstop in Atlanta during the 1990s, when the team enjoyed several deep postseason runs. He was named to three All-Star teams (two with the Atlanta Braves) and won the NLCS MVP award in 1996.
Baltimore Orioles
Matt Wieters
While Adley Rutschman could find himself on this list in a few years, for now, Matt Wieters will hold this title. While Chris Hoiles’ high-impact power bat made a strong case, Wieters’s accolades with the club narrowly earned him this spot. Throughout his eight seasons in Baltimore, Wieters was named to four All-Star teams and won two Gold Gloves. In 2012, he tallied a career-high 23 home runs with 83 RBI.
Boston Red Sox
Carlton Fisk
Jason Varitek has a strong resume as a Red Sox, but falls short when compared to Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. Even though Fisk spent the majority of his MLB career with the White Sox, he was highly productive in Boston. Through 11 seasons in Boston, Fisk accumulated 39.5 WAR and was named to seven All-Star teams (in 11 years). He was named AL Rookie of the Year in 1972 and won a Gold Glove that same campaign.
Chicago Cubs
Gabby Hartnett
The only Chicago Cubs backstop to tally over 1,000 hits with the club is Gabby Hartnett. Hartnett spent all but one season of his 20-year Hall of Fame career with the Cubs. On the North Side, Hartnett would be named to six All-Star teams and win the MVP during the 1935 campaign. He would also receive top-15 MVP votes in eight other seasons as well.
Chicago White Sox
Carlton Fisk
For the second time, the Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk will hold a spot on this list. As noted above, Fisk began his career in Boston and had several productive campaigns; he would spend the final 13 seasons of his 24-year MLB career with the White Sox. As a White Sox, Fisk would be named to four All-Star teams and win an impressive three Silver Sluggers. He would tally 28.9 total WAR and would even finish third in MVP voting during the 1983 campaign.
Cincinnati Reds
Johnny Bench
One of the greatest players at the position will take the next spot on the list. Johnny Bench spent his entire 17-year Hall of Fame career with the Cincinnati Reds. As a Red, Bench would win Rookie of the Year during the 1968 campaign and win MVP in 1970 and 1972. Bench would lead the sport in home runs twice and RBI three times. He would also be named to 14 All-Star teams and be awarded an incredible 10 Gold Gloves.
Cleveland Guardians
Sandy Alomar Jr.
While Sandy Alomar did not tally the most hits among batters in team history, Alomar’s accolades and overall impact earned him a spot on this list. Alomar spent 11of his 20 MLB seasons in Cleveland. During this stretch, Alomar would waste little time as he took home Rookie of the Year honors during the 1990 season. He would be named to six total All-Star teams while in Cleveland and win one Gold Glove.
Colorado Rockies
Chris Iannetta
The Rockies do not have the most extensive history behind the dish like many of the previously mentioned clubs. Chris Iannetta played the most games behind the dish in club history and will earn the spot on the list. Through eight total seasons in Colorado (across two separate stints), Iannetta would tally 435 hits with 80 home runs. Iannetta would also finish his time in Colorado with 7.1 total WAR.
Detroit Tigers
Bill Freehan
The Tigers have two catchers who are in the 1,000-hit club with the franchise, but Bill Freehan’s resume is slightly more impressive than Lance Parrish’s. Freehan would spend all 15 seasons of his MLB career in Detroit. He would be named to the All-Star team 11 times and be awarded five Gold Gloves. He would also win the World Series in 1968 and finish his career with 44.8 total WAR.
Houston Astros
Brad Ausmus
While Hall of Famer Craig Biggio was in consideration for this spot, he only played primarily behind the dish in his first four seasons before moving to second base for the final 16 of his career. Instead, Brad Ausmus will represent Houston on this list. Ausmus spent 10 of his 18 MLB seasons in Houston. He was awarded three Gold Gloves while in Houston and tallied 970 total hits, the most among primary backstops in franchise history.
Kansas City Royals
Salvador Perez
One of the few current-day players on this list is Kansas City Royals legend Salvador Perez. Perez has spent his entire 14-year career with the Royals. Through this stretch, Perez has been named to nine All-Star teams, been awarded five Gold Gloves, and five Silver Sluggers. He enjoyed a career season in 2021 when he led the sport in home runs (48) and RBI (121). That season, he finished seventh in AL MVP voting. He also won the 2015 World Series with the Royals.
Los Angeles Angels
Bob Boone
While Bob Boone did not have the most significant impact at the plate, he was an elite defender during his time in Los Angeles. Through seven seasons with the then-California Angels, Boone was awarded five Gold Gloves. He was also named to the All-Star team during the 1983 campaign and finished 16th in MVP voting in 1982 when he tallied an impressive 3.5 WAR.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Roy Campanella
The Dodgers have several catchers who would hold the top spot on nearly every franchise, including Mike Scioscia and Mike Piazza, but Hall of Famer Roy Campanella will narratively take the spot on this list. Campanella spent 10 of his 18 professional seasons playing for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers. As a Dodger, Campanella would take home the MVP three times and be named to the All-Star team in all but two seasons. He finished his time in Brooklyn holding a .276/.360/.500 slash line
Miami Marlins
Charles Johnson
JT Realmuto seemed to be on the fast track to claiming this spot, but was shipped to Philadelphia relatively early in his career. As a result, Charles Johnson will hold the spot on this list. Johnson spent seven of his 12 MLB seasons with the Marlins (across two different stints). Throughout his tenure, Johnson was named to two All-Star teams and received two Gold Gloves.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jonathan Lucroy
When looking at offensive production at the catcher position in the Milwaukee system, Jonathan Lucroy stands alone. Among primary catchers in franchise history, Lucroy has tallied the most hits, doubles, and home runs. Through seven seasons in Milwaukee, Lucroy was named to two All-Star teams. In 2014, Lucry enjoyed a career season as he finished fourth in MVP voting, as he led the sport in doubles (53) and held a .301/.373/.465 line.
Minnesota Twins
Joe Mauer
The all-time great Joe Mauer holds the next spot on this list. The Hall of Famer spent his entire 15-year career and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Through 15 seasons, Mauer would be named to six All-Star teams, awarded five Silver Sluggers, and three Gold Gloves. Mauer would capture the batting title three times and would win the MVP in 2009. During this season, Mauer led the sport in AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS.
New York Mets
Mike Piazza
While Mike Piazza almost claimed a spot on this list as a Dodger, he is the clear frontrunner to represent the Mets. After an impressive seven seasons in Los Angeles with a brief stop in Florida, Piazza would become a legend in Queens. Through eight seasons as a Met, Piazza would be named to six All-Star teams and win four Silver Sluggers. While he didn’t win an MVP, he finished within the top 13 in voting in three straight seasons.
New York Yankees
Yogi Berra
The Yankees had several catchers worthy of a spot on this list, including Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada, but the legendary Yogi Berra will hold the spot on this list. Berra spent all but one of his 19 MLB seasons with the Yankees. He would be named to 18 All-Star teams and capture three MVPs. He would also finish within the top-4 in voting in four other seasons. Lastly, Berra was a remarkable 10-time World Series Champion.
Philadelphia Phillies
Darren Daulton
While Darren Daulton does not sit at the top among total hits by primary backstops in Philadelphia, his impact at the plate, from a power perspective, earned him this spot. Daulton launched 134 long balls while in Philadelphia, which is just 16 shy of Mike Lieberthal’s total, but he played in nearly 200 more games. Daulton was named to three All-Star teams, won two Silver Sluggers, and even finished sixth in MVP voting during the 1992 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jason Kendall
Sitting with 1,409 career hits with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jason Kendall holds the next spot on the list. Kendall spent nine of his 15 MLB seasons in the Steel City. Through this time, Kendall was named to three All-Star teams. During his debut campaign in 1996, Kendall finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. He held an overall .306 AVG and .805 OPS during his time as a Pirate.
San Diego Padres
Benito Santiago
While Terry Kennedy has an impressive resume of his own, Benito Santiago will represent the Padres on this list. Santiago spent the first seven seasons of his career as a Padre. He wasted little time to make an impact as he was awarded a Silver Slugger and Rookie of the Year honors in 1987. He would go on to win four total Silver Sluggers and add three Gold Gloves while in San Diego.
San Francisco Giants
Buster Posey
The San Francisco legend Buster Posey will hold the next spot on the list. Posey would spend all 12 seasons of his career in the Bay Area. He was named NL MVP during the 2012 season and won NL Rookie of the Year during the 2010 campaign. In his MVP season, Posey claimed the batting title and led the sport in OPS+. He would finish his career as a three-time World Series Champion, five-time Silver Slugger, and a one-time Gold Glove winner.
Seattle Mariners
Dan Wilson
While Cal Raleigh could hold the spot on this list given the 2025 season he is on pace to enjoy, for now, Dan Wilson will hold the honors. Wilson is the only catcher in franchise history to eclipse the 1,000-hit mark. Through 12 seasons in Seattle, Wilson would only be named to the All-Star team once, but was a reliable member of the lineup. He tallied at least 2.0 WAR in three seasons and hit double-digit long balls three times.
St. Louis Cardinals
Yadier Molina
Like Buster Posey, Yadier Molina was an icon of his respective franchise. The long-time St. Louis Cardinals spent all 19 seasons of his MLB career in St. Louis. Molina was named to 10 All-Star teams. He was a remarkable defender behind the dish, winning nine Gold Gloves and four Platinum Gloves. He was also a two-time World Series Champion and won his lone Silver Slugger during the 2013 campaign.
Tampa Bay Rays
Dioner Navarro
The Tampa Bay Rays do not have the most extensive history behind the dish; however, Dioner Navarro’s contributions to their 2008 World Series run earned him a spot on this list. In 2008, Navarro made the All-Star team when he posted a strong .295/.349/.407 slash line with 27 doubles and seven home runs. He finished his five seasons in Tampa Bay holding a .243/.300/.352 line.
Texas Rangers
Ivan Rodriguez
Without a doubt, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez will represent the Texas Rangers on this list. The Hall of Fame backstop spent 13 of his 21 MLB campaigns with the Rangers. Rodriguez would make the AL All-Star team in all but two of these campaigns. From 1992 through 2001, Rodriguez would win A Gold Glove in each season and be awarded six Silver Sluggers. He also took home the AL MVP during the 1999 campaign.
Toronto Blue Jays
Ernie Whitt
By a significant margin, Ernie Whitt holds the next spot on the list. Whitt spent 12 of his 15 MLB seasons in Toronto and established himself as the best backstop in team history. During this stretch, Whitt held a .253/.327/.420 line with .747 OPS. He was named to the 1985 All-Star team when he hit 21 doubles and 19 round-trippers. He is the only backstop in club history to have over 800 hits with the franchise.
Washington Nationals
Gary Carter
The Hall of Famer will round out our list. Gary Carter spent 12 of his 19 MLB campaigns with the then-Montreal Expos. As an Expo, Carter would be named to seven All-Star teams. Carter would also be awarded three Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers. While he never won an MVP, he finished within the top 6 in voting twice and top 15 five times.
