“He’s the Worst Starting Catcher in Baseball” — Fans Aren’t Even Arguing About It Anymore

Across MLB debates, podcasts, and comment sections, fans keep circling the same catcher whenever the conversation turns to starters who simply aren’t producing at a major‑league level. He’s the guy fans look at and say — bluntly, confidently — that he’s the worst starting catcher in baseball, and nobody’s really pushing back on it anymore.

The catcher fans keep bringing up is Nick Fortes — the Marlins backstop whose bat, glove, and overall impact have cratered so badly that fans wonder how he’s still holding down a starting job.

Fans Think His Bat Is the Biggest Problem — And It’s Not Close

Fortes’ offensive numbers aren’t just bad. Fans think they’re unplayable.

They’ve seen:

• A batting average that hovers near replacement level
• No power threat whatsoever
• Weak contact that rarely leaves the infield
• Zero fear factor for opposing pitchers
• A hitter who looks overmatched nightly

Fans aren’t saying catchers need to be sluggers. They’re saying Fortes doesn’t hit enough to justify being in the lineup at all.

Fans Think His Defense Isn’t Good Enough to Make Up for the Bat

This is the part fans bring up constantly.

They’ve noticed:

• Below‑average framing
• Inconsistent blocking
• A throwing arm that doesn’t deter runners
• Pitchers not looking comfortable working with him
• Defensive metrics that don’t match a starting catcher

Fans aren’t expecting elite defense. They’re expecting competent defense.

And they don’t think Fortes provides that.

Fans Think Miami Keeps Starting Him Because They Have No Other Options

The Marlins aren’t treating Fortes like a rising young catcher. They’re treating him like a placeholder.

He gets:

• Everyday reps
• A starting role by default
• Opportunities he hasn’t earned
• A job that seems safe only because the team lacks depth

Fans think the Marlins aren’t choosing Fortes — they’re stuck with him.

And that’s why the “worst starting catcher” label sticks.

Fans Think His Numbers Would Make More Sense for a Backup — Not a Starter

This is where the comparison gets uncomfortable.

They mention:

• Backup‑level OPS
• Backup‑level power
• Backup‑level defensive metrics
• Backup‑level consistency
• Backup‑level impact

But he’s not a backup. He’s the starter.

Fans think that’s the problem.

Fans Think Other Struggling Catchers Still Offer More Than Fortes

This is the comparison fans make constantly.

They mention names like:

• Austin Hedges
• Martín Maldonado
• Reese McGuire
• Christian Bethancourt
• Jacob Stallings

These catchers are:

• Better defenders
• Better game managers
• Better at controlling the running game
• Better at framing
• Better at providing something valuable

Fortes doesn’t have a carrying skill. Fans think he’s below average at everything.

Fans Think He’s a Liability Every Time He’s in the Lineup

The same line keeps popping up:

“He doesn’t help you win in any way.”

Fans believe:

• His bat hurts the offense
• His defense doesn’t stabilize the pitching staff
• His presence doesn’t improve game flow
• His production doesn’t justify his role
• His ceiling is extremely low

He’s still a major‑league player. He’s still capable of occasional flashes. He’s still a hard worker.

But fans think he’s the worst starting catcher in baseball.

Fans Think Miami Needs to Move On — Immediately

This is the part fans whisper about — but it’s getting louder.

They think:

• The Marlins can’t keep punting offense at catcher
• The pitching staff deserves better
• The team needs a real backstop
• The front office has ignored the position too long
• Fortes is holding the roster back

And the biggest question becomes:

Why is he still starting?

Fans think the answer is simple: lack of alternatives.

Fans Think He Can Still Improve — But It Won’t Change the Label Anytime Soon

Here’s what fans do agree on:

Fortes can flip the narrative.

If he:

• Improves his framing
• Sharpens his blocking
• Adds even modest offensive value
• Shows consistency behind the plate
• Proves he can be a reliable game manager

He could become a serviceable catcher.

But until that happens, fans will keep saying:

“He’s the worst starting catcher in baseball.”