FANTASY BASEBALL CATCHER RANKINGS 2026

By Muntradamus

BEAST DOME NATION.

The Catcher position. A position where defense probably matters just as much as offense when MLB teams are deciding who they use behind the plate. We have not seen many dominant seasons at catcher, usually 30 HR/100 RBI would make you a god at the position. Last year, we saw something ridiculous from Cal Raleigh.

CAL RALEIGH

Cal spanked 60 HR and 124 RBI. To give you an idea of how dominant of a season that is from a catcher. You could probably combine #15-#20 on this list above, and they may get in the ballpark of that type of production. You could even combine #2/#3 and still probably end up with about the same numbers. Cal is literally 3 players in one, and at a position like catcher. I am going to say he is dominant enough where he is worth a 1st Round Pick in pretty much every league. More on my first round order coming this month.

WILL SMITH

The Fresh Prince of LA should have the opportunity to end up with 100 RBIs this season. If you miss out on Cal, Will Smith could arguably be the best value at catcher while still getting someone who could end up as a Top 5 catcher. This Dodgers lineup is stacked, every at bat is the opportunity to do something special.

ADLEY RUTSCHMAN

Adley was supposed to win a MVP by now. There was never a catcher that had as much hype as he had going through College on his road to the MLB. Adley has dealt with more injuries than he has desired in his young career, but young career it still is. He is still only 28 years old, and in Baseball terms that means still the prime of his career. Adley has a 30 HR/100 RBI season built inside of him, just a matter of him putting it all together. So far his career best is 20 HR/80 RBI, a season he can absolutely crush as long as he stays healthy. Confidence is no longer an issue. Adley will DH more this season as the Orioles have another young prospect in Basallo who they love at catcher. Adley will not be riding the bench do not worry, it will be like Salvador Perez playing DH on his days off.

LOGAN O’HOPPE

High O’Hoppes read the article if you want to learn more, but there is not a better value catcher than Logan. He absolutely can end up with a Top 10 season at catcher, while going for 100% discount. Best #2/#3 catcher money can buy, if you end up with Cal Raleigh in a 2 catcher league, and all the other targets went flying off the board. Take O’Hoppe late and you will not be missing any production.

J.T. REALMUTO

Seeing J.T. Realmuto being ranked outside of the Top 5 at catcher is a bit of a shock. It seems like he has been a Top 3 catcher in preseason rankings for at least 5 years now, but the power is no longer there. Realmuto is a good doubles hitter, and the speed is definitely on the downside of his career as 10 SBs would probably feel like a good number now that he is 34 years old. However, Realmuto is in the middle of a stacked Phillies lineup and he can knock in those RBIs at a record pace now that he knows what he is. 15 HR/70 RBI/10 SB with good batting average is the upside.

BEN RICE/AUSTIN WELLS

Not sure what the Yankees plan on doing here, but it does not look good for any of them. Ben Rice will catch some, Austin Wells will catch some, Paul Goldschmidt will play some 1B, Ben Rice will play some 1B, Giancarlo Stanton will DH, Ben Rice will DH. It just seems like the Yankees are too stacked, and consistent playing time is something you need from players like Ben Rice and Austin Wells who are dependent on their power. I am avoiding both this year. Maybe Austin Wells late if he falls very late in best ball leagues.

1B COMING NEXT