I have always loved the off-season discussions surrounding Major League Baseball. The moves and speculation along with ranking position groups have always kept me entertained during the cold months. Last off-season, I decided to rank all of the position groups and I wanted to bring it back. With my top 10 rankings, I mainly look at the last 2 seasons weighing 2022 the most to create the list.
To start the top 10 position rankings, I am focusing on catchers. While working through this list, it really felt like the position is going through a “changing of the guard” as future Cooperstown members like Buster Posey and Yadier Molina are officially retired and have handed off the baton to the next group of stars. The position does have some of the best young talent that it has had in the last 4-5 years.
1 Player that did not make the list but I considered a lot was Jonah Heim of the Texas Rangers. I expect him to make his way into my rankings after next season as Heim is a solid defender with power. I really wanted to see another season of Heim performing at the major league level.
As always, please feel free to comment and leave your top 10 rankings in the comment section. Now, let’s dive into the top 10 catchers heading into the 2023 season.
10. Christian Vazquez
2022: .274 / .315 / .399 / 99 wRC+ / 1.6 fWAR / -9.9 BsR / 11 DRS
2-Year Range: .265 / .311 / .374 / 87 wRC+ / 2.0 fWAR / -15.2 BsR / 16 DRS
As a Red Sox fan, I have watched Christian Vazquez play for years and it’s the total package that earns him a spot in my top 10. Defensively, Vazquez is solid behind the plate as his 11 defensive runs saved ranked 4th among all catchers last season. Another valuable characteristic of Vazquez is his durability. Since the start of 2019, only the Phillies’ JT Realmuto has played in more games behind the plate. Players who allow their manager to pencil them into the lineup on a nightly basis are super valuable. Vazquez also provides competitive ABs with a low strikeout rate (16.2%) and the ability to hit the ball to all fields. I think Minnesota is a great spot for Vazquez to land and find success. With this Vazquez selection, I decided to go with a player and his track record over a few of the younger options.
9. Travis d’Arnaud
2022: .268 / .319 / .472 / 120 wRC+ / 3.9 fWAR / -3.6 BsR / 6 DRS
2-Year Range: .251 / .307 / .443 / 105 wRC+ / 4.5 fWAR / -4.6 BsR / 10 DRS
It took Travis d’Arnaud a few years to find his place on a big league roster but once he figured out how to stay relatively healthy for the duration of a season, he has been nothing less than productive. d’Arnaud is the combination of defense and power that teams are always looking for out of the catching position. The only major gripe against d’Arnaud is his 4.5 percent walk rate. Imagine what kind of OBP he could produce if he was willing to walk more. The concern for d’Arnaud moving forward is where he fits in with the Atlanta Braves now that they have acquired Sean Murphy. It’s possible that d’Arnaud could see some time as a DH. I would have a hard time seeing the Braves moving him because Murphy still needs a backup since they dealt Contreras in the Murphy deal. If you’re the Atlanta Braves, having 2 out of the top 9 catchers in baseball is a good problem to have but can they keep both players happy and in rhythm?
8. Jose Trevino
2022: .248 / .283 / .388 / 91 wRC+ / 3.7 fWAR / -1.2 BsR / 21 DRS
2-Year Range: .244 / .276 / .366 / 78 wRC+ / 4.3 fWAR / -6.7 BsR / 29 DRS
Jose Trevino is the only catcher on this list that is a part of the top 10 primarily because of his defense. Trevino’s first season in the Bronx was a pleasant surprise for the Bronx Bombers as Trevino was the best defensive catcher in baseball last season with 21 defensive runs saved. Even at the plate, Trevino had a solid season that led to him being selected as an all-star. Trevino’s offensive numbers peaked in the first half (103 wRC+) and slipped in the second half ( 77 wRC+). But the Yankees are not nearly as concerned with Trivino’ offense because he is by far the best pitch framer in the game (17 catcher framing runs). If Trivino can have another superb defensive season and continue to build a strong rapport with the pitching staff, the Yankees will sign up for that all of the time. Whatever offensive production they get from Trevino is a bonus.
7. Willson Contreras
2022: .243 / .349 / .466 / 132 wRC+ / 3.3 fWAR / -2.8 BsR /-1 DRS
2-Year Range: .240 / .344 / .452 / 121 wRC+ / 5.5 fWAR / -6.5 BsR / DRS 7
Last year was a bit of a roller coaster for Contreras as he was one of the top trade deadline options and received a send-off from the Wrigley faithful but never was actually dealt. Now, Contreras finds himself replacing a St. Louis legend in Yadier Molina and having to back up his 87.5 million dollar deal that he signed a few weeks ago. Contreras has been one of the better offensive catchers over the last couple of seasons (4th most home runs since 2019 among catchers) but there is always an unknown with what level of production teams will get from a catcher in his 30s. Contreras is moving into a lineup that has a lot of talented hitters and will not be the focus of the opposing team’s game plan like he was in Chicago. St. Louis seems to be a place where players can continue their success into the second half of their careers. Maybe the same will be true for Contreras.
6. Alejandro Kirk
2022: .285 / .372 / .415 / 129 wRC+ / 3.8 fWAR / -7.1 BsR / 9 DRS
2-Year Range: .274 / .360 / .420 / 123 wRC+ / 4.5 fWAR / -8.7 BsR / 6 DRS
Listed at 5’8” and 265 lbs (that may be generous), Kirk most definitely does not look like a baseball player or an elite hitter. But if you have watched Kirk play, especially last season, you will know that looks can be deceiving. The Blue Jays catcher had a breakout season. All of Kirk’s offensive numbers are impressive but his 10.7 percent K-rate is unheard of in today’s game. His elite contact skills and his 11.6 percent walk rate allows Kirk to be considered as a designated hitter option on days that he takes a rest from catching. Prior to last year, Kirk ranked poorly as a defensive catcher but he had a strong season behind the plate with 9 defensive runs saved. Another strong season for Kirk like his 22’ campaign and Kirk could easily find himself in the top 3 at the catching position.
5. Cal Raleigh
2022: .211 / .284 / .489 / 121 wRC+ / 4.2 fWAR / -1.0 BsR / 14 DRS
2-Year Range: .202 / .268 / .440 / 101 wRC+ / 4.3 fWAR / -1.0 BsR / DRS 13
Raleigh is the desired catcher in today’s game as he is a terrific defender with a ton of power. Typically, I am not a huge fan of players who have a low batting average and a low OBP but Raleigh is the exception. He led all catchers with 27 home runs while playing half of his games in what has been a historically difficult park to hit home runs. Raleigh ranked third among catchers with 14 defensive runs saved and ranked as the 5th best catcher in framing. Even if Raleigh doesn’t repeat his home run production in 23’, he is still a super valuable player behind the plate because of his defensive ability. I would love to see Raleigh work a few more walks to raise that OBP above .300. But heading into next season, baseball fans need to respect the player Raleigh has become.
4. Sean Murphy
2022: .250 / .332 / .426 / 122 wRC+ / 5.1 fWAR/ -1.4 BsR / 1 DRS
2-Year Range: .235 / .321 / .417 / 113 wRC+ / 8.4 fWAR / -2.6 BsR / DRS 11
Murphy is a really talented player that many may not know about simply because he was playing for the pathetic Oakland Athletics. Unless you are a sad but loyal A’s fan or your team is playing Oakland, you probably didn’t see much of him. Murphy provides a dynamic skillset as he is a terrific offensive catcher and is solid defensively. He trailed only Realmuto and Rutschman in fWAR. The trade 2 weeks ago sending Murphy to Atlanta is the perfect move for his career. Getting out of playing in that ridiculously empty and big Coliseum and into a star-studded lineup in Atlanta should set Murphy up to potentially take his game to the next level. Atlanta will be more than happy for Murphy to repeat his 22’ campaign but playing on a winning team can elevate certain players’ performances. I’m excited for the baseball world to see the type of talent Murphy possesses.
3. Will Smith
2022: .260 / .343 / .465 / 127 wRC+ / 3.9 fWAR / -3.6 BsR / 7 DRS
2-Year Range: .259 / .353 / .478 / 128 wRC+ / 8.5 fWAR / -4.5 BsR / DRS 12
I remember Smith being one of the game’s top catching prospects in baseball a few years ago and he has lived up to that hype. Smith has quickly become a consistent force in the middle of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup. In a lineup that featured Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, it was Smith who found himself batting cleanup in the playoffs. Only Seattle’s Cal Raleigh had more home runs than Smith’s 24 last season. Players who have a clear understanding of the strike zone and willingness to take a walk are the type of hitters who help the team even when they are slumping. With a .343 OBP, Smith has the ability to sell out for even more power if he wants because of his ability to draw walks. Part of the reason the Dodgers have been incredible over the last decade has been their ability to develop players like Smith and have them for 6 years at a major discount. There are many scenarios where Smith has a massive 23’ campaign and finds himself as the top dog at the position.
2. Adley Rutschman
**Rookie last season**
2022: .254 / .362 / .445 / 133 wRC+ / 5.3 fWAR / 5.0 BsR / DRS 18
Typically, I do not put rookies anywhere near the top of the rankings when I do these posts but Rutschman is the exception to the rule. The former #1 prospect in baseball debuted on May 21st and his impact completely changed the Baltimore Orioles organization. On May 21, the O’s were in last place in the East with a 16-25 record. The Orioles finished 83-79 and were competing for a Wild Card spot for most of September. Now, Rutschman wasn’t the only reason for the big change in Baltimore but his 5.3 fWAR ranked 9th among all position players after his debut. I believe Rutschman has just scratched the surface with his offensive ability as I believe he will hit for a better average and more power. But there’s no denying his elite OBP skills, his defensive skills, and his leadership. This kid has a chance to be special.
1.JT Realmuto
2022: .276 / .342 / .478 / 128 wRC+ / 6.5 fWAR / 6.6 BsR / 11 DRS
2-Year Range: .269 / .342 / .459 / 118 wRC+ / 11.0 fWAR / 12.1 BsR / DRS 11
J.T. Realmuto has been at the top of the catcher rankings now for the last 5-6 years and continues to prove he is worth that big contract the Phillies gave him. Realmuto is somewhat of a unicorn with his speed, defense, and power combo. The Phillies catcher put up his best season in terms of fWAR (6.5) in his age 31 season and the question now is how many more dominant years does Realmuto have left? With another solid season next year, Realmuto will jump into the top 30 among all catchers in the game’s history in BWAR. With how good Realmuto is as an athlete, it makes you wonder if J.T. could move to the outfield to extend his career when the time comes. As of right now, Dave Dombrowksi and the Phillies look like geniuses for not only trading for Realmuto but also giving him a 5-year deal.
Who doesn’t below on this list?
Who did I miss?
What is your top 10 catcher rankings?
Great article once again. You are very fair in your rankings. It drives me crazy Vasquez was not resigned by the Sox, even if for 2 years. He has a lot of good baseball left in him still. Not sure what they were thinking. I hope the two catchers work out for us this upcoming season.