It was a surprise for the casual New York Yankee fan when the little-known Erik Kratz burst on the scene late in the 2020 season as the Yankee catcher who caught Deivi Garcia’s Major League Debut. Before we get into that, it’s important that you know a little more about Kratz.
Kratz was a journeyman catcher for his 18-year baseball career. After playing for seven years with minor league affiliates of the Blue Jays, from 2002 through 2008, Kratz signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009. It is with the Pirates that Kratz made his Major League debut in 2010.