Noah Spirek | @NoahSpirek | May 28, 2024

Hunter Goodman is still a rookie. However, his versatility on the diamond gives him an edge over other rookies as he learns the game at the big league level. Goodman, 24, is a utility player for the Rockies, as he mostly plays first base and is capable of playing both corner outfield positions. Additionally, he recently made his first big league appearance as a catcher on May 18 against the San Francisco Giants.

Goodman is very familiar with the catcher position, as he played it in over half of his college appearances (69 of the 120+ games) at the University of Memphis. After being drafted in the 4th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Goodman continued to play catcher throughout the Rockies minor league system. In 2022, Goodman caught in about 32% of his games (43 of the 135 he played in) across Single-A Fresno, High-A Spokane, and Double-A Hartford.

In 2023, he played catcher in only 12% of his games (13 out of 106), and 12 of his appearances came before the call-up from Double-A Hartford to Triple-A Albuquerque. Towards the end of last year, on August 27, the Rockies called Hunter Goodman up to make his Major League debut. He wound up playing in 23 games but split his time between playing first base, right field, and designated hitter. It looked like the Rockies were closing the window on playing Goodman at catcher.

This year, however, Hunter began 2024 in Triple-A with the Isotopes, appearing in 20 games, 7 of which were as a catcher. Since being called up on April 24, Hunter has spent the past month trying to get on the field any way he can, as he’s appeared in 14 games, playing right field (6 times), first base (four times), designated hitter (three times), and catcher (vs the Giants).

Regardless of where Goodman might find himself playing, he makes sure to always be ready to perform. “Pretty much, we get the lineup, and whichever position I’m playing that day I usually stick to that routine,” Goodman said.

“On days I catch I get out on the field a little earlier pregame and I do a little more hip mobility stuff and I try to get my legs going a little more than I would at other positions. Also the pregame work as far as getting some receiving in and doing some blocking, stuff like that takes a little more time so I just get out [on the field] a little earlier.”

And on the off days? The grind doesn’t stop. “On the days off I try to get some extra work on everything,” Goodman said. “Get a few ground balls, work in the outfield a little bit, and do some stuff in the bullpen.”

Being a catcher in the big leagues is not easy. The constant pressure of being involved on every pitch defensively, while managing the baserunners and ensuring the pitcher feels comfortable. Yet, with all the demand that comes with being a catcher, Goodman feels as though it might help his hitting numbers.

“I haven’t looked at stats but I feel like just the past few years in games I’ve caught I feel like I’ve hit pretty well and it could just be because when I catch, I don’t really think about hitting as much,” Goodman said. “I’m more focused on a lot more responsibility being back there and there’s more important things that you’re doing so you really focus on that stuff.

“Also, you’re just seeing pitches the whole time while you’re catching so I feel like that could get your eyes locked in to hit too,” added Goodman.

Perhaps the biggest piece of a successful battery is the relationship between the pitcher and the catcher. Part of what made both Adam Wainwright‘s and Yadier Molina‘s careers so great is their insuperable bond. How does Goodman maintain his relationships with Colorado’s pitchers, despite not knowing when he’ll be catching next?

“I got lucky that the first start was Ty [Blach], and I caught Ty in Triple-A for one or two starts and I’ve played with him the last two years,” Goodman said. “It can be difficult but I try to get in the bullpen and catch the starters’ bullpens and talk to them to see how they’re feeling. Stuff like that.”

In an outfield that features mainstays Brenton Doyle and Nolan Jones (injured), along with competition from Jake Cave and Sean Bouchard (and Jordan Beck, when healthy), finding playing time out there can be hard. The competition for playing time is tough at designated hitter, with accomplished veterans Kris Bryant and Charlie Blackmon sharing that role. First base doesn’t offer much relief either, as Bryant often plays there when he’s not the designated hitter, as does Elehuris Montero.

Point being, Hunter Goodman’s ability to play catcher is beneficial because it gives manager Bud Black another way to slot Goodman in the lineup. The average of .191 isn’t pretty, and Hunter will be the first to tell you that, but it is partly because he started the season 1-for-15 at the plate. Since then, he has figured it out a bit and has gone 7-for-31 (.226). Goodman’s best ability is his power, and for a lineup that has struggled to score runs at times this year, the pop in his bat provides some good upside to go along with his defensive versatility.

Story by Noah Spirek.

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