Cal Raleigh and Dillon Dingler set the gold standard as catchers
The spotlight shines brightly on Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, who has established himself as a premier catcher in Major League Baseball. After clinching the prestigious Platinum Glove last season—an accolade awarded to the best defender overall—Raleigh has continued to elevate his game. With an impressive 60-home run season under his belt, he is not just a defensive stalwart but also a contender for the American League MVP award.
Dillon Dingler’s standout season
Meanwhile, Dillon Dingler of the Detroit Tigers is making waves of his own. This year, Dingler joined Raleigh as one of only two catchers in the league to finish the season without permitting a single passed ball. This statistic, as highlighted by Danny Vietti of CBS Sports, speaks volumes about their defensive prowess. While both catchers certainly dealt with wild pitches throughout the season—something all backstops encounter—neither was charged with an official passed ball.
Dingler’s emergence has been nothing short of remarkable. Originally an outfielder at Ohio State, he has seamlessly transitioned to the rigors of catching in the big leagues. His performance at the plate has also shown promise, providing the Tigers with a much-needed offensive boost.
Tigers’ playoff hopes
As the Tigers gear up for postseason play, Dingler’s contributions could prove crucial. Despite enduring a challenging late-season slump, the team managed to secure a spot in the playoffs. They will face off against the Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-three Wild Card series, with ace Tarik Skubal slated to start Game 1. This matchup could present a golden opportunity for the Tigers, and having Dingler behind the plate will undoubtedly instill confidence in the pitching staff.
The impact of elite catching
The significance of having reliable catchers like Raleigh and Dingler cannot be overstated. Their ability to manage pitchers and handle defensive responsibilities is essential during high-stakes games. As the postseason unfolds, both catchers will be under the microscope, but if their seasons thus far are any indication, they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
In a league where catching can often be a liability, Raleigh and Dingler have set a benchmark for excellence. With their eyes set on the playoffs, both players are poised to make a substantial impact for their respective teams as they strive for postseason success.
