Fans of the MLB now anticipate the start of the ever-growing baseball season. In the coming weeks, the starting player for each position on each team will be thoroughly evaluated, offering a detailed look at the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Despite the lack of stars, receivers such as Sean Murphy, Adley Rutschman, Will Smith and J.T. Realmuto stand out. Notable performances by Jonah Heim, Gabriel Moreno, Francisco Alvarez, Yainer Diaz and Logan O'Hoppe add excitement.
The rankings are based on expectations for 2024, considering both offensive and defensive contributions, with a look at contingency plans for each position. The stage is set for the list of the top three receivers.
The One and Two of The List
Sean Murphy, now with the Atlanta Braves, made a seamless transition after four successful seasons with the Oakland Athletics. In his first season in the National League, he not only secured an All-Star Game start, but also showcased his skills with an OPS+ of 125, 21 doubles, 21 home runs and 68 RBIs in 108 games.
Despite having a plate partner in Travis d'Arnaud, Murphy's numbers would have been even more impressive. The 29-year-old, with career records of 0.6, 1.1, 2.7, 3.5 and 3.9 WAR in his first five major league seasons, is undoubtedly a star on the rise.
As a 2021 American League Gold Glove winner, Murphy's dual skills position him as a strong candidate for another appearance in the All-Star Game starting lineup in 2024.
Los Angeles Dodgers standout Will Smith occupies a unique position among active players.
With at least 1,800 career plate appearances and an outstanding OPS+ of 125 or higher, he stands as the only catcher on this exclusive list, underscoring his offensive prowess.
Since assuming the team's starting catcher role midway through the 2019 season, the 28-year-old has consistently made his presence felt in the powerful Dodgers lineup.
In the previous season, Smith secured his well-deserved first selection to the All-Star Game, delivering a solid performance with an OPS+ of 114, 21 doubles, 19 homers and 76 RBIs, resulting in a 4.1 WAR campaign.
Importantly, he has also become an elite defender, ranking fourth among receivers with an impressive 12 defensive runs saved in 2023.
Love to see this beautiful swing again.
Marcelo Mayer is due for a huge 2024.pic.twitter.com/0TayhiCvU1
- G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) March 11, 2024
The Best Catcher in the League
Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles stands as a testament to the challenge of securing a true franchise catcher, a critical piece capable of cementing the position for an extended period.
The Orioles successfully addressed this daunting task by selecting Rutschman as the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.
Despite making his MLB debut on May 21, 2022, the 26-year-old proved his prowess by accumulating 5.1 WAR in 113 games.
This achievement placed him alongside legendary rookie catchers such as Carlton Fisk, Mike Piazza, Thurman Munson and Johnny Bench, each with a 5-WAR season.
In his first full MLB season last year, Rutschman continued to excel with a .277/.374/.435 batting line, including 31 doubles, 20 home runs and 80 RBIs.
His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, Silver Slugger honors and a notorious ninth-place finish in the American League MVP voting.
Remarkably, since Rutschman joined the starting lineup, the Orioles have posted a respectable 154-102 (.602) record over the past two years, a correlation that goes beyond mere coincidence.
