Sandy Alomar

The six-time All-Star's true value lived behind the plate, where his Gold Glove defense anchored Cleveland's powerhouse teams of the 1990s. His OPS+ of 87 tells the story of a backstop who prioritized game-calling and durability over offensive production, which made that '97 breakout all the more stunning.

Alomar's 20-year career spanned an era when catchers were expected to sacrifice their bodies and bats for the team. He delivered on both counts, representing the prototype of the steady, reliable backstop who kept Hall of Fame pitchers comfortable and opposing running games honest.