{"id":101040,"date":"2025-05-27T21:23:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T01:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=101040"},"modified":"2025-05-27T21:23:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T01:23:07","slug":"diamondbacks-gabriel-moreno-becoming-well-rounded-catcher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/05\/27\/diamondbacks-gabriel-moreno-becoming-well-rounded-catcher\/","title":{"rendered":"Gabriel Moreno Showing His Versatility in Third Year with D-Backs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Catcher Gabriel Moreno<\/a> is becoming a more well-rounded and key contributor for the Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> this season. The backstop\u2019s performance has been a significant positive for them since the team picked him up in a trade in December 2022.<\/p>\n

Gabriel Moreno Becoming More Well-Rounded Catcher for D-Backs<\/h2>\n

Not Long as a Backup<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After the trade with the Toronto Blue Jays<\/a>, he began the 2023 season as a backup to Carson Kelly<\/a>. He became the primary catcher midway through the season after Kelly was designated for assignment. Moreno would demonstrate his defensive skills and finish with a caught-stealing rate of 39%, an MLB best. Another significant statistic saw him leading all catchers in defensive runs saved with 20. Along with those numbers, he has the ability to call an excellent game. He also took charge of the defense on the field, which led to his winning the 2023 NL Gold Glove<\/a> Award. He became the first Diamondbacks catcher to win that award.<\/p>\n

Becoming More than Defense<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Moreno is widely recognized as one of the most effective defensive catchers in the game. Those defensive skills, especially his blocking, framing, and throwing abilities, have contributed to his overall value on the field. However, it has been his offensive potential that is coming around for him. Already known for his skill to hit for average, he continues to work on his contact proficiency and bat speed. He has adjusted to selecting pitches better suited for his swing, which has led him to put the ball all over the outfield.<\/p>\n

Not Considered a Power Hitter<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Moreno, although not considered a power hitter, he has shown he can provide it when needed. He hit his first home run of the season\u2014a grand slam<\/a>\u2014in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a> on May 8<\/a>. That grand slam improved his numbers against the Dodgers. He is holding a .315 batting average against the team. In 23 regular-season and playoff games against the Dodgers, he has 23 hits, five home runs, and 21 RBI.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udde3 GRAND SLAM DE GABRIEL MORENO \ud83d\udde3 pic.twitter.com\/Pg9cTA8RiL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Espa\u00f1ol (@mlbespanol) May 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n