Catcher Defense in WAR

Along with the rollout to the improved UZR data, catcher defense is now incorporated into WAR from 2003 onward. In this case we’ve opted to use the Stolen Base Runs Saved (rSB on FanGraphs) from the Fielding Bible:

Stolen Base Runs Saved gives the catcher credit for throwing out runners and preventing them from attempting steals in the first place.

For the most part, all catchers will remain about the same in value, especially on an individual season basis. But certain ones, like Yadier Molina, ends up with an extra 3.6 wins over the past 6 years. On the down side, Jason Varitek probably sees the biggest decrease in value, with -2.2 wins being attributed to his catcher defense since 2003.