Miami Marlins Spring Training: Who is the Primary Catcher?

With only four Spring Training contests to go, the Miami Marlins need to make a decision as to which catchers make the Opening Day roster.

This Spring Training, Marlin Maniac is going over the possible Opening Day roster, then going over it again. This is the fifth and final update on the catchers. On Mondays we’ve looked at the Miami Marlins rotation. Tuesday its the outfield. On Wednesdays we catch up with the bullpen, and on Friday we dig into the infield.

This article will focus on the last seven days of Miami Marlins baseball, (all victories). Chances at making the Opening Day roster are estimated entirely by me, and are not indicative of any “official” FanSided opinion.

Active Roster

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 09: Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets scores on a double by Austin Jackson #18 as catcher Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Philadelphia Phillies during waits for the throw during the seventh inning of a game at Citi Field on September 9, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Jorge Alfaro is still considered the Miami Marlins starting catcher, but he’s only appeared in a pair of games through the first 25 Spring Training contests. He’s been dealing with that bruised knee he suffered on March 23rd, in the opener. Two-for-five in his at bats, Alfaro could still start on Opening Day, but the Marlins are prepared if he isn’t.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 14: Chad Wallach #17 is congratulated by Dan Straily #58 of the Miami Marlins after he hit a third inning home run against the Houston Astros during a spring training game at The Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 14, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Chad Wallach three-for-12, two walks, one home run, three runs, two RBI, two strikeouts, CS rate 0-for-two

Wallach has been getting to know this pitching staff pretty well, and has handled a plurality of the catching duties this spring in case Alfaro isn’t ready to go on Opening Day. Hitting .190/.292/.333, Wallach is a solid asset on defense.

Non-Roster Invitees

Santiago Chavez CS rate one-for-one

Chavez didn’t get a plate appearance this week, but gunned down the only guy who tried to steal a base on him.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Catcher Bryan Holaday #28 of the Miami Marlins congratulates pitcher Adam Conley #61 after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 in a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Bryan Holaday one-for-seven, one walk, three strikeouts, CS rate 0-for-one

Holaday is in essence the backup backstop’s backup. Based on his track record over the past season, he should probably be the Miami Marlins choice for the Opening Day roster as the number two catcher.

More from Marlins News

Rodrigo Vigil one-for-four, two runs, one RBI

Vigil is likely the best hitting catcher anywhere in the Miami Marlins system, and why he is the last of the non-major leaguers to really have a shot at surprising everyone by breaking camp with the Fish. Along with his .247 career minor league average, he’s also gunned down 36.5 percent of base stealers through his career.

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