The Indians should not grieve too long about their inability to acquire All-star Jonathan Lucroy, who refused to waive his no-trade clause to leave Milwaukee and join first place Cleveland. After all, his presence would have eventually led to a controversy as to the number one catcher, the distinction held by currently injured Yan Gomes.
The return of Gomes, who landed on the disabled list on July 17 with a separated shoulder, is yet to be determined. He has been one of the most well-liked Cleveland players over the last five seasons, and a demotion to number two catcher might have caused some rancor in the clubhouse.
Had Lucroy joined the team, he most likely would have been the starting backstop. His overall offensive numbers are better than those of Gomes, and he is just one year older. Lucroy averages 16 home runs, four fewer than Gomes, but he averages more runs batted in and has a much better on base percentage.
The most convincing advantage regards the batting averages. Lucroy is a career .284 hitter, whereas Gomes holds a much inferior .246 career average. Cleveland would have no choice but to keep his consistent bat in the lineup instead of Gomes.
Having talented players such as Gomes and Lucroy would have given the Indians by far the best tandem of catchers in Major League Baseball. The one who did not start would certainly be the best backup catcher in the game, but since the deal fell through we are left we these ten guys as the best number two backstops in 2016.
Dioneer Navarro, Chicago White Sox
Since entering the league with the Dodgers back in 2005, the switcher has become a player teams want up at the plate in a clutch situation. His presence helped Toronto reach the A.L. championship last year and was also instrumental in propelling Tampa Bay to the World Series back in 2008.
Brayan Pena, St. Louis Cardinals
A switch hitter with a respectable .259 career batting average, he made the perfect backup behind future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina. Pena had such an impressive season with Cincinnati that St. Louis went out and signed him as a free agent early in the off season.
Christian Bethancourt, San Diego Padres
The club acquired Derek Norris from Oakland to be their starter, but he gets plenty of solid help from this veteran who has hit five home runs in just 120 at bats so far in 2016.
Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies
He spent nearly a decade as the team’s starter, leading them to two pennants and a World Series title.
Eric Fryer, Pittsburgh Pirates
Manager Clint Hurdle is more than pleased to have this guy as the backup for Francisco Cervelli, as Fryer has a career batting average of .276.
Ryan Hanigan, Boston Red Sox
The veteran brings a lot of experience, having been in the big leagues since 2007 and helping the Reds reach the postseason three times.
Drew Butera, Kansas City Royals
His father Sal was a worthy backup as well, and the son is currently hitting one hundred points higher than his career average.
Jarrod Saltamacchia, Detroit Tigers
For years he has been the catcher with the longest name and perhaps the most power, seeing as he has already reached double figures in home runs this season.
Juan Centeno, Minnesota Twins
With a .265 batting average, the youngster has provided a good left handed complement to starter Kurt Suzuki.
Austin Romine, New York Yankees
The backup to Brian McCann is having his finest season with the Yankees, hitting .264 for New York.
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