On this National Receivers Day (yesterday), MLB unveiled its top 10 masked men for the upcoming season.
Of the lot, two teams have two players in the top-10: the Braves and the Blue Jays. Here is the list in question from MLB Network.
- JT Realmuto – Phillies
- Will Smith – Dodgers
- Adley Rutschman – Orioles
- Sean Murphy – Braves
- Willson Contreras – Cardinals
- Alejandro Kirk – Blue Jays
- Travis d’Arnaud–Braves
- Salvador Perez – Royals
- Danny Jansen – Blue Jays
- Tyler Stephenson – Reds
Kirk, who is ranked sixth, has had a great offensive season (despite a downturn in the middle) and has improved defensively.
He also became Alek Manoah’s personal catcher.
Danny Jansen, on the other hand, is a defensive force. He’s capable of batting power, but pitchers love to work with him.
He complements Kirk wonderfully.
What is interesting is that the club is protected in case of injury. Yes, the Phillies, Dodgers or Orioles are better for the #1 position, but if the starter falls in battle, it’s problematic.
Note, however, that you have to take it and leave it with the MLB Network rankings. After all, it’s not always…on point.
The Jays had so much depth that the club even let Gabriel Moreno go to get Daulton Varsho, who stabilizes the outfield and swings the batting order with his left-handed stick. And he can be a receiver, too.
It’s a big year ahead for the Toronto team… and if the receivers are on the attack, it will be easier for everyone.
- World Classic: Matt Brash will pitch for Canada.
- Too bad for the Dominicans.
- The Angels are in action.
- The first pick in the last draft will be at camp with the big boys.
