Miami Marlins: Reasons for Optimism in 2016

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J.T Realmuto 

Sep 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (20) connects for a RBI triple during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (20) connects for a RBI triple during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Second, J.T. Realmuto seems to be an above average catcher both at the plate and behind it. In his first full Major League season Realmuto slashed .259/.290/.406 on an 86 wRC+ and 6 DRS which added up 1.8 WAR, Major League average is 2.0 WAR.

As a rookie Realmuto put up a wRC+ of 86 which was right below Salvador Perez and twelfth among all catchers with at least 400 PA. 6 defensive runs saved  made Realmuto the third best catcher with at least 1000 innings caught behind only Wilson Ramos and Yadier Molina.

Realmuto could improve more offensively by trying to be a better and more selective hitter alongside a fair and expected regression towards the mean from what was a very low BABIP of .285 last year.  If Realmuto walks more and has better luck with balls in play there is no reason to believe that he can’t slash .275/.320/.425 and be one of the better two-way catchers in baseball.

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