With the signing of Martín Maldonado, Cam Gallagher’s major league starts are looking few and far between. However, Gallagher’s skill-set makes him a valuable back-up. Gallagher’s ability to frame pitches makes him potentially more valuable to Maldonado than Butera was to Perez.

According to FanGraphs, "…framing is an act of subtlety, receiving the ball close to the chest, never stabbing at it, and turning pitches that nick the border of the zone — or at least appear to — into called strikes."

Lucky for the Royals, Gallagher is one of the best in the league. According to the Athletic, Gallagher was tied for 19th out of 117, while Perez ranked 112th and Drew Butera 98th.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Cam Gallagher is the 19th best catcher in the league and Perez the 112th. Cam Gallagher has spent most of his career in the minors, and still has much room for improvement; however, with a young bullpen extra strikes here and there go a long way. Maldonado will start most games this season, but Gallagher will be a valuable asset when the Gold-Glover needs rest.

Thoughts, suggestions, or criticisms? Write me at bradengparks@gmail.com