MLB 2017: Top 10 catchers

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Aug 8, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) connects for an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

At a weak position around the league, Posey is far and away the clear choice for top catcher in baseball. Since his debut in 2009, Posey leads all catchers in batting average, is second in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and leads in wOBA, wRC+, and WAR. Many of the other catchers that rank near the top of the leaderboard — Joe Mauer, Mike Napoli, Evan Gattis — have spent considerable time at first base and DH. Posey has caught nearly 6,000 innings over the past eight years.

Posey may eventually transition to first base to protect his offense, but for now he is also one of the best defensive catchers in the league. He threw out 28 would-be thieves on the bases last year, and was one of the top pitch framers in baseball according to StatCorner. In terms of a complete package behind the plate, few in baseball history have matched Buster Posey.

Next: MLB 2017: Top 10 starting pitchers

With a few more solid seasons of work behind the plate, Posey will cement his status as a Hall of Famer. That is the path he’s on now, with his .307/.373/.476 line, three World Series titles, a Rookie of the Year and MVP, four All-Star appearances, three Silver Sluggers, and a Gold Glove. He has done it all with a quiet, understated brilliance that has not been seen at the catcher position in quite some time.

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