Ranking the Top 10 Players by Position: Catchers
We will start our player ranking at the Catcher position
#1 - William Contreras - Milwaukee Brewers
After last season, Contreras was in almost everybody’s top 5 catchers, but he separated himself in the 2024 season. Winning the NL Silver Slugger, Contreras posted a slash line of .281/.356/.466 with an OPS at .831, which is the best among qualified catchers. Contreras set a career high in all three XBH categories, hitting 23 home runs, 37 doubles and 2 triples, combining for 62 XBH. He is clearly the best hitting catcher in the MLB, and pairing that with above-average defensive metrics, he is no doubt the best catcher in baseball.
#2 - Cal Raleigh - Seattle Mariners
Cal Raleigh had an incredible 2024 season on both sides of the ball. Raleigh collected 50 XBH’s with 34 home runs, an OPS at .748 and OPS+ at 119. On top of being a top 5 offensive catcher, Raleigh brought home the AL Platinum Glove award, given to the single best defensive player in their respective league.
#3 - Yainer Diaz - Houston Astros
Yainer Diaz showed out in 2024. Although his defense is just serviceable, he was one of the better hitting catchers in the MLB. Diaz had a .299 AVG with a .766 OPS, which was 3rd amongst catchers. Diaz looks to be Houstons catcher for years to come.
#4 - Salvador Perez - Kansas City Royals
Salvy was very good offensively once again. Due to his age, his defense is still declining, but wasn’t absolutely horrible. I would be surprised if we saw him on the catchers list next year, as he will most likely be a primary first baseman or DH. Salvy still hit 27 home runs to a .786 OPS, which is very good.
#5 - Will Smith - Los Angeles Dodgers
Will Smith is the definition of consistency. Although he hit for the lowest average of his career, he still managed to end the year with a .760 OPS including 46 XBH. He is still great defensively, leading the league in caught stealing (32) and caught stealing % (33%).
#6 JT. Realmuto - Philadelphia Phillies
Although Realmuto isn’t the same as he once was, he was still very good in limited action this year. Realmuto had a .751 OPS with 14 home runs in only 99 games in 2024. His defense is declining but it still around league average. I believe that lowering his innings behind the plate could do his body well, and could lead to an increase in offensive production.
#7 - Austin Wells - New York Yankees
After Wells’ cup of tea with the team in 2023, he knew that he had a chance to start 2024 on the Opening Day roster. Wells finished 2024 with a 3rd place finish in the AL Rookie Of The Year race behind Colton Cowser and teammate Luis Gil. Wells finished with a .718 OPS and 103 OPS+, which is pretty decent for a rookie. I would like to see Wells hit for more power, especially in Yankee Stadium. Wells showed decent defense as well, being around league average in blocking and throwing out runners.
#8 - Gabriel Moreno - Arizona Diamondbacks
Moreno is a great player, he is so close to being a top 5 catcher. Moreno was very good on defense again this year, coming off of a great 2023 when he lead the MLB in Defensive WAR (3.1) and won the Gold Glove. Moreno was solid at the plate as well, slashing .266/.353/.380 for an OPS of .734. For Moreno to become elite, he needs to add some power. Moreno only hit 5 home runs in 97 games. If Moreno can get to a 15 home run per season player, he will be a top 5 catcher.
#9 - Tyler Stehpenson - Cincinatti Reds
We have seen flashes from Stephenson in the past, but 2024 was the best year he’s had. Stephenson ended up with .782 OPS and a 112OPS+, along with average defense. Stephenson played a lot of catcher this year, leading MLB in games played at catcher. Stephenson can easily move up this list with another year of this caliber.
#10 Patrick Bailey - San Francisco Giants
Patrick Bailey has been the same player since college, and that is a solid player. Bailey won’t give you much at the plate, but there is no better defensive catcher than Patrick Bailey. He finished 2024 with a .637 OPS and an 84 OPS+. But when he plays Gold Glove defense, you look past that and hope that the offense can come around. Bailey ranks top 5 in almost every defensive category.
NEXT UP: Ranking the Top 10 Players by Position: First Baseman
