Catching is undoubtedly an important part of baseball, yet the catcher may actually be the most underrated position on the field. In many ways, the catcher is the pitcher’s built-in best friend, handling tasks that are essential to a game’s flow and a team’s success. Rarely are catchers the flashy stars of the lineup; they typically don’t focus on hitting or racking up home runs. Instead, they prioritize defense and game management, which are less glamorous yet crucial elements of a successful game. Catchers are responsible for calling pitches, framing throws, managing baserunners, blocking wild pitches, and ensuring passed balls are minimized, among many other responsibilities.
For the Detroit Tigers this past season, three catchers—Jake Rogers, Carson Kelly, and Dillon Dingler—shared the position. Their main focus was undoubtedly defense and game management. This included working with pitchers to set up the best pitch sequences, limiting stolen bases, and blocking wild pitches. Each catcher brought his unique strengths to the team and supported the pitching staff, which was one of the Tigers’ core strengths in 2024.
Jake Rogers, the Tigers’ primary catcher, was especially important for Detroit’s standout pitcher, Tarik Skubal, serving effectively as his personal catcher throughout the season. Rogers was behind the plate for all of Skubal’s starts, helping him craft what appears to be a Cy Young-caliber season. But Rogers was far more than just a personal catcher for Skubal. He became the Tigers’ starting catcher, appearing in almost every game, and contributing significantly to the overall strength of the pitching staff. Rogers’s influence extended to nearly every pitcher on the roster, reinforcing his role as a key leader in game management. His defensive prowess did not go unnoticed, as he was nominated as a finalist for the Gold Glove, a testament to his elite defensive skills.
Backing up Rogers for most of the season was Carson Kelly, who also played a valuable role in the Tigers’ catching rotation. Before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the deadline, Kelly provided the team with reliable hitting, consistently outperforming Rogers at the plate. Kelly’s offensive skills allowed the Tigers to maintain a balanced lineup, as he often rotated with Rogers and took over games in which Rogers needed rest. Although Kelly’s defense was slightly less formidable than Rogers’, he still graded out as above average in key areas. His blend of hitting consistency and solid defense made him an important contributor for Detroit until his departure in the midseason trade.
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Following Kelly’s trade, rookie Dillon Dingler stepped up and made his Major League Baseball debut. Dingler was assigned to handle all pitchers except Skubal, a role previously held by Kelly, and performed adequately on both sides of the ball. His offensive contributions were modest but sufficient, showing flashes of power that suggested growth potential. Defensively, Dingler proved to be around league average, which was an acceptable level for a rookie catcher still adjusting to the major leagues. Though not a standout, Dingler’s ability to adapt quickly helped stabilize the catching position in the wake of Kelly’s departure.
While the Tigers’ pitchers rightly received praise for their performance, the catchers were instrumental in setting up the team’s success. The 2024 Tigers’ pitching strength can be attributed not only to the pitchers themselves but also to the catchers who supported them through meticulous game-calling and reliable defense. Jake Rogers, Carson Kelly, and Dillon Dingler may not have been in the spotlight, but their combined efforts were invaluable. The catcher position may not always receive the recognition it deserves, but for the Tigers, their catchers were, without a doubt, the unsung heroes of the season.
