The MLB season is just around the corner with spring training games set to begin Thursday, Feb. 22 as the Dodgers prepare to take on the Padres in the first game of the Cactus League. With that being said let’s take a look at my rankings of the top three catchers for fantasy baseball in the upcoming 2024 season. This article should give you a better idea of who you should be targeting in the early rounds of your fantasy baseball drafts. As well as one late round sleeper in case you are not able to get one of my top three.
Catchers
1. Adley Rutschman
It should come as no surprise that the young Orioles catcher tops this list. Last year, in his second year for the Orioles, Rutschman ranked first among catchers in on base percentage (.374), plate appearances (687), hits (163), total bases (256) and base on balls (92). He also finished top five in runs batted in (80), runs (84) and extra-base hits. On top of this, he also broke into the top 10 for home runs (20). In 2023 Rutschman finished the year as the number one catcher in terms of points. On average he is currently being drafted towards the middle to late third round with his average draft position sitting at 38.8. The 2023 all-star and silver slugger is poised to have another outstanding season in terms of fantasy numbers. Barring injury he should find himself firmly atop all fantasy baseball catchers once again.
2. Will Smith
While Realmuto finished first in many categories, Will Smith was not far behind. He also finished near the top among catchers in runs batted in (76), runs (80), hits (121), base on balls (63), on base percentage (.359) and total bases (203). While he may not have topped any statistical categories, the lineup he has around him gives him ample opportunity to improve on his 2023 numbers. Expected to be batting somewhere in the middle of the vaunted Dodgers lineup, this gives him a major boost in rankings amongst fantasy baseball catchers. Currently having a 71.2 average draft position puts him as a very early seventh round pick with a high possibility that he comes off the board in the sixth round.
3. J.T Realmuto
With the 2023 silver slugger appearing first on my list of fantasy baseball catchers. The 2022 silver slugger will take the third spot in my rankings. Much like Rutschman and Smith, Realmuto finished in the top third amongst catchers in many categories that are crucial to fantasy production including at bats (489), runs (70), hits (123), homeruns (20), plate appearances (538), total bases (221), extra-base hits (53) and slugging percentage (.452). Rutschman is also a problem for opposing teams on the base paths finishing first amongst catchers in stolen bases with 26. The Phillies catcher just like Will Smith is being drafted somewhere in the seventh round as his average draft position is currently at 76.8.
Late round sleeper
While you should target these three players early in your draft. There is a chance they may be taken before you can get them. If you aren’t able to snag one of my top three fantasy baseball catchers don’t worry. I have a late round pick that will still help you assemble a competitive roster. He may not be as touted as the three aforementioned guys in my rankings, but he still has the opportunity to make a major impact for your team in the upcoming season
My sleeper for this season at the catcher position is the Mariners Cal Raleigh. Raleigh was the leader for catchers in home runs during the 2023 season (30). While also finishing second in extra-base hits (54), and games played (145). With the additions of Jorge Polanco and fan favorite Mitch Haniger Raleigh should see plenty of opportunity to increase both runs scored and runs batted in during the upcoming season. I personally believe this is one of the best values for where he is being drafted as his current average draft position is 135.6 meaning you can likely wait until very late in your draft to add him to your roster.
The 2024 MLB season is fast approaching. With that in mind, it’s time to get prepared for your upcoming drafts. Opening day is just over a month away so it’s time to hit the internet and start doing your research. This article should give you a better grasp on what catchers will be coming off draft boards in the early rounds.
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