Reds' Barnhart: Yadi Molina is 'arguably the best catcher of all time'

If you ask Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart who the greatest to ever don the chest protector and flip down the mask is, his response doesn't dig deep into the past.

Barnhart has great respect for division rival Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals, and he told Cincinnati.com's Zach Buchanan about asking the future Hall of Famer for tips before Thursday's game.

"He's arguably the best catcher of all time," Barnhart said. "Why wouldn't I reach out to him?"

Barnhart is enjoying his best season in the majors in 2017, though it's mostly been tied to his defense, according to Fangraphs. In fact, only Baltimore Orioles backstop Welington Castillo has posted a superior caught stealing percentage than Barnhart's 45.6. And no one has recorded a higher defensive WAR.

Molina was apparently happy to oblige Barnhart's request for an extra pair of eyes on his technique. He likes what he sees.

"He’s got a pretty good shot to win a Gold Glove,” Molina said. “I like the way he catches."

Barnhart has already gotten a handle on his defensive skills - though he still wants to work on his pitch-framing - so building on his approach at the plate could be next. Molina similarly excelled exclusively on the defensive side of the ball before adding offensive prowess partway through his career.

For now, however, preserving his shot at his first Gold Glove Award is Barnhart's priority.

"For me there’d be no bigger honor," he said.