Comparing MLB’s best players at every position from the 2000s and 2010s
Comparing the best MLB players of the 2000s and 2010s: Catcher
Catcher: Jorge Posada vs. Buster Posey
The 2000s featured several good catchers, as Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Kendall, and Jason Varitek all had nice decades. Mike Piazza and Joe Mauer are also worth a mention, though Piazza did most of his work at the beginning of the decade while Mauer did his at the tail end of it.
However, I think we have to go with Jorge Posada for the best 2000s catcher. He led all MLB catchers that decade in doubles, home runs, and RBIs. Plus, he was a part of two championship teams, in 2000 and 2009. Rodriguez is the only one who can really compare, in terms of production, from decade start to finish.
In the 2010s, Mauer was solid at the beginning of the decade but tailed off towards the end while getting a lot more time at first base. Therefore, Buster Posey and Yadier Molina stand out above the rest. The two are comparable in hits, doubles, home runs, and RBIs, but Posey has the clear advantage in OPS. He also has three championships compared to Molina’s one. Molina is known for his ability behind the plate, but Posey is pretty good, too. We’ll go with Posey.
Picking between Posada and Posey is tough. For starters, Posey has the edge on defense. And while Posada had the more potent bat in terms of power, Posey was a better all-around hitter and did some of his best work in a more pitcher-friendly era. So while it’s a somewhat tough decision, I think Posey has a slight edge.