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How Rockies' Hunter Goodman Compares to His Silver Slugger Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 15:05 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Hunter Goodman and the Quest for the Silver Slugger: A Rockies Catcher’s Perspective

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman offered a candid look at what it means to compete for the National League’s prestigious Silver Slugger award. While the award has long been associated with power hitters and high‑average players, Goodman’s narrative underscores that the competition for the honor is as much about the craft of catching as it is about plate performance.

A Career in the Making

Goodman’s journey to the majors began in high school in Kansas, where he was already showing a blend of defensive skill and offensive promise. After a standout college career at Oklahoma State, he was drafted by the Rockies in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. “I was never a top‑draft pick, but I worked on every aspect of my game,” Goodman recalls. “The catching position requires patience, a good read on the pitcher, and the ability to keep your cool under pressure.”

His rookie season in 2018 was a mixture of ups and downs, but he steadily earned a role behind veteran catcher James McCann. By 2021, Goodman had solidified his place as a regular behind the plate, and by the 2023 season he was putting up the kind of numbers that put him in the conversation for defensive accolades: a .261 batting average, 13 home runs, and a .341 on‑base percentage, coupled with a .971 fielding percentage.

Why the Silver Slugger Matters

The Silver Slugger award is presented to the best offensive player at each position across both leagues. For catchers, the award has historically gone to players with significant power numbers and high batting averages—Buster Posey, Yadier Molina, and Russell Martin being notable examples. Goodman acknowledges that the award is “a reflection of how much you’ve contributed at the plate over the course of a season,” but he also notes that his role as a catcher makes the path to the award uniquely challenging.

“When you’re a catcher, you’re constantly thinking about the pitcher’s game plan, the defensive alignment, and how to keep the game in motion,” Goodman says. “It’s not just about hitting a home run; it’s about being a strategic asset for the entire team.”

The Competition Landscape

Goodman’s interview delved into the specific competition he faces each season. In 2023, he was up against a roster of seasoned catchers, including Buster Posey (who was no longer active), J.T. Realmuto, and the emerging talent of J.T. Realmuto’s peers. He also noted the rising power of young catchers in the league, such as Yadier Molina’s late‑career resurgence and the breakout of Marcus Semien, who had an outstanding season in 2022.

He explained that the evaluation of catchers for the award involves a blend of statistics and scouting reports. “Managers and coaches will look at your on‑base percentage, slugging, and even the type of contact you’re making,” he says. “But a lot of it comes down to your consistency and how you’re performing against the toughest pitchers.”

Goodman's Self‑Assessment

Goodman’s interview highlights his approach to measuring his own progress. He cites a few metrics that he focuses on: his plate discipline (walks and strikeouts), his ability to hit against left‑handed pitchers, and his on‑base percentage against elite pitching. He also notes that he tries to keep his eye on his defensive metrics, particularly caught stealing percentages and error rates, which indirectly influence his overall value to the team.

“In a sense, the Silver Slugger is a culmination of all the hard work that goes into each game,” Goodman reflects. “It’s a validation that the daily grind has paid off.”

The Road Ahead

Goodman is optimistic about the 2024 season. He points out that the Rockies’ lineup has improved, and the pitching staff has become more stable, offering him a platform to elevate his offensive output. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining consistency, especially as he juggles defensive responsibilities against a league that’s increasingly leaning into power hitting.

“We’re going to focus on staying disciplined at the plate, but also staying mentally sharp as a catcher,” he says. “If we can stay consistent, the Silver Slugger will be a natural outcome.”

The interview also touched on the emotional side of competing for the award. Goodman says that the award “serves as a milestone for personal growth and recognition from your peers.” He emphasizes that for him, the honor would also highlight the contributions of the entire catching community, which often goes unnoticed in the spotlight.

Conclusion

Hunter Goodman’s interview with Sports Illustrated offers a window into the mind of a catcher who not only understands the strategic complexities of his position but also recognizes the importance of plate performance in earning league recognition. By contextualizing his own journey, the challenges of catching, and the competitive landscape of the Silver Slugger award, Goodman paints a portrait of a player poised for continued growth—and possibly, eventual silver sluggery.