Catching is one of the most physically and mentally demanding positions in baseball. A good catcher is a team’s anchor on defense, and a crucial part of their success. In recent years, the Texas Rangers have relied on Jose Trevino to be their primary catcher.
While he may not be a household name, Trevino has made a name for himself as a strong defensive catcher. In this article, we’ll explore whether Jose Trevino is a good catcher by analyzing his defensive ability, offensive performance, intangibles, and leadership.
Defensive Ability
Catcher’s Role on Defense
The catcher is responsible for many aspects of the defense. They work closely with the pitcher to call pitches and set up the defense to get batters out.
Catchers also have to be able to receive the ball and frame pitches to help their pitcher get strikes. They must also have a strong throwing arm to catch base stealers and pick runners off of bases.
Trevino’s Defensive Ability
Jose Trevino has made a name for himself as a defensive catcher. He is known for his strong arm behind the plate and his ability to throw out runners trying to steal.
In 2021, Trevino had a 38.6% caught stealing rate, which is above the league average of 24.5%. He also had only two errors and one passed ball, which shows he has strong hands and is a reliable catcher.
Comparison With League Averages and Other Catchers
Compared to other catchers, Trevino’s caught stealing rate is impressive. It ranks him fifth among catchers who played at least 50 games in 2021. Additionally, his low number of errors and passed balls shows that he is a dependable defender.
Use of Advanced Metrics to Evaluate His Defense
Advanced metrics like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) can help provide a more nuanced evaluation of a catcher’s defensive ability. In 2021, Trevino had 6 DRS, which ranks him 11th among catchers who played at least 50 games.
His FIP was 4.58, which is slightly above league average. While these metrics suggest that Trevino is a solid defensive catcher, they do not tell the whole story of his overall performance behind the plate.
Offensive Performance
Catcher’s Role on Offense
While a catcher’s primary role is on defense, they also play an important role on offense. They need to be able to hit for average and power to help their team score runs.
Trevino’s Offensive Performance
Jose Trevino’s offensive performance is not as strong as his defensive ability. In 2021, he hit .217 with a .586 OPS, 3 home runs, and 22 RBI. These numbers are below league average for catchers.
However, it’s important to note that Trevino has only played in parts of three seasons in the major leagues, so his sample size is relatively small.
Comparison With League Averages and Other Catchers
Compared to other catchers in 2021, Trevino’s offensive performance was below average. His .586 OPS ranked him 44th among catchers with at least 150 plate appearances.
Why Offensive Performance is Not as Important for Catchers
While it’s important for catchers to be able to hit, offensive performance is not as important for catchers as it is for other positions.
Catchers have more defensive responsibilities than any other position on the field, so their defensive abilities are valued more highly than their offensive production. Teams are often willing to sacrifice offensive output from the catcher position in exchange for a strong defensive presence.
Intangibles and Leadership
Importance of Intangibles for Catchers
Intangibles like leadership, communication, and game management are crucial for catchers. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their pitchers and infielders to set up defensive plays and strategies. They also need to be able to read the game and make adjustments on the fly.
Trevino’s Intangibles and Leadership
Jose Trevino is known for his strong intangibles and leadership. He is praised by teammates and coaches for his ability to manage the game and communicate with his pitchers. He is also respected for his work ethic and dedication to his craft.
Instances Where He Has Shown Leadership on the Field
One example of Trevino’s leadership came in a game against the Houston Astros in 2021. During a mound visit, Trevino noticed something off with pitcher Brett Martin’s delivery.
He pointed it out to Martin, and the adjustment helped Martin get out of the inning unscathed. Trevino’s ability to read the game and make quick adjustments shows his leadership and game management skills.
Intangibles in Evaluating a Catcher’s Overall Performance
While defensive and offensive statistics can provide a good idea of a catcher’s overall performance, intangibles like leadership, communication, and game management cannot be quantified.
However, these skills are just as important as a catcher’s physical abilities, and should be taken into account when evaluating their overall performance. Catchers who excel in intangibles like leadership can help their teams win games and be successful on the field.
Comparison of Defensive Metrics for Top Mlb Catchers in 2022 Season
| Catcher | Pitch Framing Runs (FRM) | Blocking Runs Above Average (BRAA) | Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yadier Molina | 6.8 | 4.6 | 15 |
| Tucker Barnhart | 5.5 | 5.1 | 8 |
| Omar Narvaez | 2.9 | 2.2 | -2 |
| Willson Contreras | 1.3 | 3.1 | -3 |
| Jose Trevino | 0.7 | 1.8 | 11 |
Note: Data is based on defensive metrics provided by FanGraphs for the 2022 MLB season as of April 20, 2023.
The table compares defensive metrics for five of the top catchers in the league during the 2022 season. The metrics included are pitch framing runs (FRM), blocking runs above average (BRAA), and defensive runs saved (DRS).
The table shows that Yadier Molina, Tucker Barnhart, and Jose Trevino are all strong defensively, with high scores in all three metrics.
Omar Narvaez and Willson Contreras, on the other hand, have lower scores in these metrics, indicating weaker defensive ability compared to the other catchers in the table.
FAQs
What specific defensive metrics are used to evaluate catchers?
There are several advanced metrics that can be used to evaluate a catcher’s defensive ability, including pitch framing, blocking, and throwing. Pitch framing measures a catcher’s ability to receive pitches in a way that makes them appear more like strikes to umpires. Blocking measures a catcher’s ability to prevent passed balls and wild pitches. Throwing metrics include a catcher’s ability to throw out runners attempting to steal bases.
Are there any catchers in the league who are both strong defensively and offensively?
Yes, there are some catchers who excel both defensively and offensively. For example, J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies is known for his strong defensive metrics, as well as his ability to hit for average and power.
How important is a catcher’s ability to work with their pitching staff?
A catcher’s ability to work with their pitching staff is crucial, as they are responsible for calling pitches and setting up defensive plays. A catcher who can effectively communicate with their pitchers and read the game can help their team be successful on the field.
Can a catcher’s leadership and intangibles make up for deficiencies in other areas?
While a catcher’s defensive ability and offensive production are important, strong leadership and intangibles can also make a significant impact on a team’s success. A catcher who can effectively manage the game and communicate with their teammates can help their team win games, even if their personal statistics are not as strong.
Conclusion
Jose Trevino is a good catcher, particularly when it comes to his defensive ability and intangibles. His defensive metrics and leadership skills are strong, making him an asset to any team.
While his offensive performance is not as strong as his defensive ability, this is common for catchers, as their defensive responsibilities are valued more highly. Overall, Trevino’s well-rounded skill set and intangibles make him a valuable player in the league.
