Alfaro and Cervelli could be Marlins’ Best Catching Combo in Years

Jorge Alfaro and Francisco Cervelli could be the best catching combo the Miami Marlins have had in a long time. The potential for offensive production and defensive acumen makes this pair one to watch in 2020.

The Miami Marlins signed Francisco Cervelli to a one-year, $2 million deal this winter. He’ll presumably be catching-incumbent Jorge Alfaro‘s primary backup, although the team still employs Chad Wallach as well.

In 2019, Miami saw decent offensive production from the catcher’s spot, as five players combined to hit 24 home runs and knock in 76 runs. The five catchers in 2019 (Alfaro, Wallach, Bryan Holaday, Tyler Heineman and Wilkin Castillo) were better than league-average at throwing out base-stealers (30 percent) and passed balls (13) but posted the seventh-most errors (13) and were below average in fielding percentage (.991).

But the Alfaro-Cervelli combo could do even more. Alfaro hit 18 home runs and knocked in 57 RBI, and slashed a respectable .262/.312/.425 in 2019. But he struggled defensively, posting the fourth-most errors by a catcher (11) and the third-most passed balls (11).

Cervelli missed much of 2019 due to concussion related symptoms, but in his last full season, he produced well at the plate and behind it. In 2018, Cervelli played 104 games for Pittsburgh and slashed .259/.378/.431 with 12 home runs and 57 RBI. And he’s known as a defensive stalwart who calls a great game.

Their pairing should help Alfaro’s growth defensively and as a game-caller, and it should aid in the development of the young pitching staff.

The Marlins have had some great catchers over the years, and some incredibly successful catching combos. Alfaro and Cervelli could be the best pairing in years. Yes, JT Realmuto had an All-Star campaign in 2018, but his backups, Holaday and Wallach, provided little support.

Pudge Rodriguez and Mike Redmond

During the Marlins’ World Series 2003, the team featured veteran All-Star Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez behind the plate for 144 games. He was supplemented that year by arguably the best backup catcher in franchise history, Mike Redmond. In his lone year with the club, Rodriguez slashed .297/.369/.474 with 16 homers and 85 RBI. Redmond chipped in with 11 RBI that year, and slashed .240/.302/.312.

Rodriguez helped legitimize the 2003 lineup with his veteran presence and production. Both Rodriguez and Redmond were stalwart defenders and excellent at handling the pitching staff. Rodriguez’s leadership and Redmond’s reliable play makes the 2003 catching combo the best in franchise history.

Prior to the World Series season, the Marlins catching combos over 2002 and 2001 also provided offensive production and solid defensive play.

Charles Johnson was in his second run with the franchise and returned to his All-Star form in 2001. Over 128 games that year, he slashed .259/.321/.450 with 18 homers and 75 RBI. His backup was Redmond, who hit over .300 that year with four home runs and 14 RBI.

In 2002, Johnson’s season was cut short and Redmond played the most games behind the plate. Ramon Castro also played catcher that year. Redmond slashed .305/.372/.387 and knocked in 28 runs that year. Castro connected on six homers.

Charles Johnson and Gregg Zaun

Prior to the catching successes of the early 2000s, the Marlins best backstop pairing came in 1997, when Johnson and Gregg Zaun manned the plate for Miami. During that World Series winning season, Johnson earned an All-Star birth and slashed .250/.347/.454 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI. He was awarded the Gold Glove that year as well.

Zaun saw action in 58 games and hit .301/.415/.441 with two homers and 20 RBI.

More from Marlins News

• Why didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?
• Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offer
• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
• Miami Marlins need to spend to win
• Miami Marlins can’t afford to botch this trade

The Marlins’ inaugural season in 1993 also featured a solid catching combo in veteran All-Star Benito Santiago and Rob Natal. Santiago played in 139 games that year, slashing .230/.291/.380 with 13 home runs, including the first-ever homer in franchise history, and 50 RBI. Natal chipped over with 41 games, hitting .214/.273/.291 with one homer and six RBI.

Alfaro and Cervelli should pair to be one of the most offensively potent combos for the Marlins at catcher since 2005. Alfaro has entered Spring Training noticeably more fit, having dropped 15 lbs prior to camp opening. Working with Cervelli should improve Alfaro’s ability to call a game and his defense. If Cervelli can regain a measure of his 2018 form, the offensive drop-off when Alfaro is out of the lineup should be minimized.

Thanks for reading. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to get daily news in your email. Leave a comment if you agree, or even if you don’t.