The New York Yankees boast a history of elite catchers. Right from the defensive prowess of Bill Dickey to the offensive wizardry of Jorge Posada, these backstops have played a vital role in leading the team to success on various occasions. Of course, over time, lists get updated. Is it time for today’s generation’s Jose Trevino to fit in amongst these Yankee legends yet?

Looking at the top 5 catchers of all time (based on individual excellence) it’s important to note their impact on new talent. While young guns like Trevino offer exciting glimpses into the prospective future, this list celebrates the Titans who have already etched their names in Yankee lore. Having said that, will the 31-year-old catcher make it to the top 5? 

The List of Top 5 All-Time Great Catchers

To begin with, Elston Howard (1955-1967) and his pioneering power deserve a mention. Apart from just breaking racial barriers, Howard was a force to be reckoned with. He filled the void that Yogi Berra left, providing both offense and defense during the Yankees’ golden 1960s period. Howard proved to be a potent hitter, earning nine All-Star nods and an MVP Award in 1963. This helps shift our focus to a Captain’s Legacy. 

Thurman Munson’s legend cannot be just defined by statistics. He embodied leadership during a turbulent period for the club. In 11 seasons, he amassed a whopping 46.1 WAR, seven All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves and an MVP award. Not to mention a three-peat of pennants culminating in back-to-back World Series titles (1977-1978). Bearing his contributions in mind, its time to look at the Core Four stalwart. 

Jorge Posada (1995-2011) journeyed on to becoming a top-tier catcher. In 2000, he earned his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award. Over the next four years, he solidified himself as a reputed catcher. His potent bat more than compensated for his not-so-strong defense. Through his career he boasted a slash line of .273/.374/.474 and an impressive 275 home runs.

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Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra are two names that even to this date stand on top evergreen. Dickey combined elite hitting, defense, pitch calling, and remarkable durability throughout his 17-year run as a Pinstriper. He played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ eight World Series appearances during his tenure, his leadership behind the plate a foundation of their success.

Berra on the other hand is a titan not just among catchers, but baseball legends. Berra’s offensive stats are jaw-dropping: a career .285 average, 358 home runs, and an unusual ability to make consistent contact. His defense was equally impressive too. He boasted a career caught stealing percentage of 49%. Additionally he was a strategist. And these qualities reflect in a new age catcher.

Can Trevino Crack the Code?

Trevino has definitely made a strong case for himself. 2022 can be considered his breakout year, earning him a Gold Glove Award and All-Star selection. He led the league in both Frame Rate and Defensive Runs Saved, putting his elite pitch framing and game-changing defense behind the plate on display. This directly translates into runs saved for his pitchers.

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While Jose Trevino shows promise it would be key to sustain this in order to match the legacy of the top 5. It is Trevino’s sustained excellence over an considerable period during challenge and changing MLB landscape is what will take him to the top. Only time will tell if his current trajectory (if maintained) has the potential to become a celebrated piece of the modern day Yankees catchers.