San Diego Padres 2023 Position Preview: Catcher
Blocking the Plate
San Diego Padres catchers combined to throw out just 11 of 101 base stealers in 2022, the second-worst mark in the majors. Jorge Alfaro was particularly poor, throwing out just four of 31 runners (12.9%). New addition to the Padres, Luis Campusano, was the Padres’ primary catcher in the minors in 2022, and threw out just 13 of 66 runners (19.7%).
While the Padres’ catchers were poor at preventing steals in 2022, it is possible that they will improve in 2023. Campusano has a strong arm, and he has worked hard to improve his receiving skills. Alfaro is also a good athlete, and he has the potential to be a better pitch framer in 2023.
Pitch Framing
Pitch framing is a skill that catchers use to make pitches appear to be in the strike zone, even when they are not. This can be a valuable skill, as it can help pitchers to get more called strikes and avoid walks.
Alfaro was one of the worst pitch framers in the majors in 2022, according to Baseball Savant. He cost the Padres an estimated 10 runs with his framing. Campusano, on the other hand, was a slightly above-average pitch framer in the minors in 2022.
Hitting
The Padres’ catchers were not particularly good hitters in 2022. Alfaro hit .234 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. Campusano hit .252 with 5 home runs and 24 RBIs in the minors. However, both players have the potential to be better hitters in 2023. Alfaro is a former top prospect, and he has shown flashes of power in the past. Campusano is a good contact hitter, and he has the potential to hit for a high average.
Conclusion
The Padres’ catching situation is a bit of a question mark heading into 2023. Alfaro and Campusano are both young players with potential, but they also have some weaknesses. If they can improve their pitch framing and throwing skills, they could be a solid duo behind the plate for the Padres in 2023.
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