Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto is one of the best in the business.
Not only is he an excellent hitting catcher (which is both a rarity and a luxury these days), but he is also perhaps the best in MLB behind the plate.
There are so many aspects of being a quality defensive backstop: it’s probably the most demanding position in baseball.
Not only does the catcher have to be crouched all game long, with the obvious impact it has on the knees, but a good defensive backstop has to call the right pitches, communicate with his pitcher, block balls behind the plate, be great at pitch framing, and successfully throw out would-be basestealers and runners with an accurate, strong throwing arm.
As you can see, it’s a difficult package.
Realmuto does most of those things (if not all) close to perfectly.
He is especially quick at getting on his feet and throwing to the bases to get out there.
“JT Realmuto has a better pop time on attempted steals of second base than any other catcher in the entire Statcast era,” Codify Baseball tweeted.
JT Realmuto has a better pop time on attempted steals of second base than any other catcher in the entire Statcast era. 😮 https://t.co/oJb8l2h8LO
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) October 30, 2022
The King Of Pop (Time)
According to MLB, pop time represents the time elapsed from the moment the pitch hits the catcher’s mitt to the moment the intended fielder is projected to receive his throw at the center of the base.
Pop times tests a catcher’s footwork (getting into throwing position), the exchange (glove to release), and arm strength (velocity of throw).
A lower pop time would increase the catcher’s odds of getting out would-be basestealers or surprising runners that have gotten a large lead.
When it comes to pop time, Realmuto is the king in MLB.
The footwork, as evidenced by the video, is impressive, as he gets most of his extremely strength from his lead leg.
He is a general on the diamond and one of the most underrated players in baseball.
