Jonah Heim's consistency in calling games and discipline at the plate helped the Texas Rangers secure their first World Series title in franchise history.
His knowledge of hitters and relationship with pitchers set the tone for an All-Star season and postseason run for the ages in Arlington.
Surely that would qualify him as a top-10 catcher, right? Not according to MLB Network.
In the latest rankings listed Wednesday evening, Heim was left off the list. The defense-first catcher was slighted in favor of Toronto's Alejandro Kirk, Houston's Yainer Diaz, Seattle's Cal Raleigh and Arizona's Gabriel Moreno.
For countless reasons, the list drew criticism from multiple fans via X, formerly known as Twitter. Heim, 28, finished with a 4.1 fWAR, higher than numerous players on the list. He also has been credited for his work defensively in runs saved.
Heim was more than just a confidant for pitchers in 2023. He posted a .258/.317/.438 slash line with 18 home runs and 95 RBI. Heim was also named an All-Star, a second-team All-MLB member and won a Gold Glove for his efforts.
Texas dealt with countless injuries on the mound. Heim made the most of the situation, including a change of personnel with the additions of Jordan Montgomery and Max Scherzer. Despite missing nearly a month of action, he still led all catchers in RBI and finished fourth in extra-base hits.
Heim's impact in Arlington was an underlying tone for the Rangers in securing their first World Series title in franchise history. Even with limitations to his game, the upside of his defensive metrics and ability to drive in runs was substantial in 2023.
Without question, a player of Hiem's production should earn a spot in most top 10 lists. The backstop bully will have a chance to silence the critics in 2024 during the race back to the postseason.
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