"Kirk is the clear favorite amongst the two catchers, both offensively and defensively. Defensively, Kirk ranks in the 100th and 98th percentile for blocks above average (21) and framing (16) this season, where he was exceptional behind the plate. Kirk has been to the postseason three times and has gone 6-17 and will be in the middle of a hopefully potent offense in the ALDS."
"Wells is also an elite framer (11), as he ranks in the 96th percentile, but his offensive production lags behind Kirk's. In his two postseason trips, he's hit .136/.215/.254 with two home runs and six knocked in, so he isn't a significant threat at the plate. Wells's strength is behind the plate, calling pitches, where the starters allowed only three earned runs over 20 1/3 innings with 24 strikeouts against the Boston Red Sox."
The ALDS opens with the Toronto Blue Jays hosting the New York Yankees after both teams finished the regular season 94-68. The Blue Jays won eight of 13 regular-season meetings and secured home-field advantage. Alejandro Kirk holds the edge at catcher, combining strong offense with elite defense, ranking in the 100th and 98th percentiles for blocks above average (21) and framing (16). Kirk has three postseason appearances and a 6-17 mark in those games. Austin Wells is an excellent framer (96th percentile, 11) and a strong pitch-caller, but his postseason and offensive numbers (.136/.215/.254, two homers, six RBIs) lag behind Kirk's. The catcher advantage favors the Blue Jays.
Read at Jays Journal
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