Blue Jays: Top-five greatest catchers in franchise history

No. 4 Gregg Zaun

After being drafted by the Orioles in 1989 and making his debut in 2005, Gregg Zaun played for six different teams over nine seasons before finding a home in Toronto in 2004 at age 33.

The hard-nosed and experienced Zaun seemed like the perfect catcher for a John Gibbons-led squad and was given a chance to play as the primary option behind the plate.

Zaun had the most productive offensive seasons of his career from 2005 through 2007. In 2005 he played in 133 games, and while he only slashed .251/.355/.373, he hit 11 HR, scored 61 runs and drove in 61.

He maintained his offense in 2006 despite only playing in 99 contests. He improved his slash line to .272/.363/.462, hit 12 HR with 39 R and 40 RBI and a 111 wRC+. In 2007, Zaun's average slipped again, down to .242, but he counted 10 HR, 43 R and 52 RBI.

His best year behind the plate came in 2008, his final season with the Jays, with a solid 14.2 defensive value, despite his offense falling off and playing fewer games.

Now that all is said and done, Zaun played 535 games in Toronto, fourth all-time among Jays' catchers. He also ranks third all-time with 8.1 WAR.

When his tenure with the Jays' ended after the 2008 season, he played two more years before hanging up the cleats prior to the 2011 season.