While the Giants lead the NL West this season, it's mainly been their pitching that has carried them. Posey, though, is still producing at a high level, showing why he was selected fifth overall in 2008.
The Red Sox have faced one of the league's other blossoming catchers in their series with the Cleveland Indians. Carlos Santana, originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005, was traded to the Indians in 2008. He has since become the team's everyday catcher, while also shifting to first base on occasion.
Santana showed some flashes of power in 2010, hitting six home runs in 46 games after being called up from Triple-A Columbus on June 11. His first home run came in only his second major league game. The young backstop hyperextended his left knee versus the Red Sox in August, though, which required surgery and derailed his season.
The 25-year-old has struggled a bit at the plate in 2011, hitting at only a .203 clip, but he still remains one of the game's most promising young catchers.
Matt Wieters of the Baltimore Orioles can also claim to possess that title. He, like Posey, was selected fifth overall — only a year sooner, in 2007. The Georgia Tech product is listed at 6-foot-5 and has shown an ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate. He also has a tremendous arm, which he showed off as Georgia Tech's closer for his first three years.
Wieters, once regarded as one of baseball's top prospects, made his debut in 2009. He hit 11 home runs, drove in 55 runs and batted .249 in 130 games in 2010. He has since upped his career average this season, while hitting in the middle of the Orioles lineup.
Each of these young catchers is just about to hit his prime, and each one's potential is sky-high.
So which young catcher will have the best career? Share your thoughts below.
Tuesday, May 24th: Which American League first-place team is the biggest surprise?
Which young catcher will have the best career?Market Research
