What Happened In 2017: Despite having an overall productive season, a slump in the second-half opened the door for Austin Barnes to usurp the lead duties of primary catcher.
——
Yasmani Grandal started the season as the Dodgers’ main catcher but was eclipsed by Austin Barnes when his offense diminished down the stretch.
I can’t argue with the fact that Grandal’s batting average dropped by 50 points in the second half of the season, but he still finished the year with the second-best batting average (.247) of his career next to his rookie campaign with the Padres in 2012 (.