2025 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings & Analysis
This 2025 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings & Analysis is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.
The catcher position in fantasy baseball offers a diverse range of Average Draft Positions (ADPs) and potential outcomes. Each fantasy drafter approaches the catcher pool with a unique perspective, influenced heavily by league format, ultimately dictating a player’s value. Drafting an early catcher aims to secure an advantage in batting order position, playing time, and overall production. Conversely, teams that punt on catchers seek to bolster other positions, targeting a modest 20 to 30 home runs and over 100 RBIs from the slot, while accepting a likely dip in batting average. Below are the top 12 catchers from 2024, ranked by Fantasy Points Gained (FPG) score.
The average stat line for these players was a .257 batting average, with 66 runs, 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, and three stolen bases across 502 at-bats. Drafting William Contreras last season, for example, delivered approximately 3.92 fantasy points in league standings in 12-team formats. Only three other catchers provided a positive return in fantasy points gained.
Note: I compiled the 2025 top 15 catcher rankings based on NFBC ADP. After evaluating all players, I adjusted their rankings to reflect my assessment of the catcher pool.
2025 Catcher Rankings & Analysis
1 – William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers (ADP – 25.1)
Over the past three seasons, Contreras has emerged as a powerhouse, blasting 60 home runs in 1,469 at-bats while establishing himself as a reliable middle-of-the-order hitter, with RBI rates of 17% in 2023 and 18% in 2024. Last year, he started strong, hitting .307 with 52 runs, nine home runs, 48 RBIs, and five steals over his first 277 at-bats. A mid-season slump in late June (.208, five runs, two RBIs in 53 at-bats) was a blip, followed by a power surge in August (.295, 22 runs, nine home runs, 23 RBIs, one steal in 105 at-bats).
Contreras posted career-best marks in strikeout rate (20.5%) and walk rate (11.5%). He excelled against left-handed pitching (.313, 22 runs, four home runs, 24 RBIs in 144 at-bats), hitting 19 of his 23 home runs off righties. The Brewers slotted him between second and fourth in the lineup for 94.8% of his at-bats. Despite his power, his groundball rate remains high (54.5% in 2024, 55.0% in 2023, 53.0% in 2022). His exit velocity (92.8 mph, 15th) and hard-hit rate (49.5%, 22nd) ranked among the league’s best for players with 400+ plate appearances, though his launch angle (6.1, 200th) highlights a swing path limitation.
Fantasy Outlook: Contreras offers plenty of appeal, enhanced by Milwaukee’s use of him at DH (102 games over three years). He hits the ball hard, but unlocking a 30-home-run season requires more loft in his swing. His four-category upside is worth buying, with any stolen bases as a bonus. Priced high in drafts, I still believe he has room to grow. However, the lineup behind him may cap his run production.
Projection: .290/85/25/85/5
2 – Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (ADP – 66.9)
Rutschman’s anticipated breakout in 2023 fell short despite leading all catchers in plate appearances (687) and at-bats (588). He finished second in FPGscore (0.27, 73rd among hitters), hindered by just one stolen base. In the first half of 2024, he hit .294 with 44 runs, 15 home runs, 55 RBIs, and one steal over 323 at-bats, projecting as an elite catcher. However, a second-half collapse (.194, 24 runs, four home runs, 24 RBIs in 248 at-bats) raised concerns, possibly injury-related, though no reports confirmed this. His fly-ball rate rose to 42.9% (from 34.6% in 2023), but his HR/FB rate dropped to a career-low 9.3%, with steady exit velocity (88.2 mph) and a lackluster hard-hit rate (36.6%).
Rutschman thrived against lefties (.329, 19 runs, seven home runs, 33 RBIs in 164 at-bats) but saw declines in walk rate (9.1%, down from 13.6% over two prior seasons) and average hit rate (1.559), alongside a contact batting average of .306—both five-year lows.
Fantasy Outlook: With Baltimore ranking fourth in MLB runs (786) in 2024, Rutschman’s pedigree and discounted ADP make him enticing. Drafters must look past his late-season fade, banking on a full-season resurgence. He has the potential for a .300/100/30/100 ceiling. At 27, hitting second in a potent lineup, he’s primed to rebound. I’d buy at a slight discount, leveraging his catcher edge and DH at-bats.
Projection: .285/90/25/90/3
3 – Yainer Diaz, Houston Astros (ADP – 57.7)
Diaz earned a roster spot in 2023 but saw limited early action (.226, nine runs, two home runs, five RBIs in 62 at-bats). By June, he forced his way into the lineup, finishing with a .294 average, 42 runs, 21 home runs, and 55 RBIs over his final 293 at-bats. In 2024, despite more at-bats (330), his run rate (35%, down from 46%) and HR/FB rate (10.6%, down from 17.7%) declined. His groundball rate rose (54.7%), fly-ball rate faded (28.0%), and average hit rate dropped (1.474, from 1.910 in 2023). Still, his contact batting average improved (.366, from .356), with a lower strikeout rate (17.3%) and minimal walks (3.9%).
Diaz shone against lefties (.306, 22 runs, six home runs, 25 RBIs in 157 at-bats) and at home (.337, 45 runs, 10 home runs, 46 RBIs in 300 at-bats). After a weak May (.200), he hit .300+ over the final four months, peaking from June to August (.331, 42 runs, 13 home runs, 51 RBIs). His exit velocity (92.2 mph, 21st) and hard-hit rate (48.7%, 27th) graded well.
Fantasy Outlook: Diaz’s swing path limits his power ceiling, but Houston’s use of him at DH (75 games over two years) and first base boosts his value. Likely batting fourth to sixth, he offers batting average strength and neutral-to-positive counting stats. Ranked 54th in FPGscore (0.93), he’s a solid catcher option.
Projection: .280/80/25/90/2
4 – Logan O’Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels (ADP – 124.9)
O’Hoppe’s minor league career (.279, 169 runs, 50 home runs, 187 RBIs, 18 steals in 1,048 at-bats) showcased a strong walk rate (10.6%) and manageable strikeouts (19.2%). In 2022, he dominated AA (.283, 72 runs, 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, seven steals). In 2023, he made the Angels’ roster, hitting .283 with five runs, four home runs, and 13 RBIs in 53 at-bats before a four-month IL stint (torn labrum). He returned to hit 10 home runs in 129 at-bats.
In 2024, O’Hoppe ranked 10th in FPGscore (-2.87). Pre-All-Star break, he hit .276 with 41 runs, 14 home runs, 42 RBIs, and one steal, but faltered post-break (.196, 23 runs, six home runs, 14 RBIs), with a spike in strikeouts (38.2%). His exit velocity (90.4 mph) and hard-hit rate (46.3%) held steady, though his fly-ball rate dropped (37.8%, from 48.1%).
Fantasy Outlook: Post-surgery and with added experience, O’Hoppe’s 2025 outlook is bright despite the Angels’ weak offense (623 runs). Batting behind Mike Trout could boost his RBIs, and his speed hints at double-digit steals. He’s a breakout candidate at ADP 124.9.
Projection: .260/70/25/75/10
5 – Willson Contreras, St. Louis Cardinals (ADP – 81.0)
Contreras has never exceeded 475 at-bats in nine MLB seasons. In 2024, injuries (forearm, finger) limited him to 84 games. St. Louis plans to shift him to first base and DH in 2025, potentially unlocking career-high at-bats. His .262 average, 48 runs, 15 home runs, 36 RBIs, and four steals over 301 at-bats project to 88 runs, 27 home runs, 66 RBIs, and seven steals over 550 at-bats—worthy of a higher ranking.
His fly-ball rate hit a career-high 37.1%, with a strong HR/FB rate (19.7%). Exit velocity (91.6 mph) improved, and he hit .263 with 25 runs, nine home runs, 23 RBIs, and two steals over his final 171 at-bats.
Fantasy Outlook: More playing time via first base/DH enhances Contreras’s appeal. He delivers power and some speed, with 30+ home runs possible in 500 at-bats. Batting average carries risk.
Projection: .265/80/25/70/5
6 – Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals (ADP – 71.9)
Perez’s RBI prowess (20% rate from 2020-2024) shone in 2024, aided by an improving Royals lineup. Despite 158 games, he scored just 58 runs. His contact batting average (.347) rose, with a career-high walk rate (6.8%) and solid strikeout rate (19.8%). He started hot (.321, 24 runs, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs in 209 at-bats) but faded in runs later.
Fantasy Outlook: Perez’s bat retains upside, but at 34, his metrics don’t scream growth. He’s a run liability despite ample at-bats.
Projection: .260/60/25/80/0
7 – Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets (ADP – 148.1)
Alvarez’s minor league stats (.271, 179 runs, 61 home runs, 181 RBIs, 10 steals) and 2022 AA dominance (.277, 43 runs, 18 home runs, 47 RBIs) hinted at upside. In 2024, a thumb injury sidelined him for 51 days. He hit .333 post-All-Star break but struggled overall (.150 in 34 games). His strikeout rate (25.2%) and groundball rate (52.2%) need work.
Fantasy Outlook: Alvarez’s talent suggests a breakout. His contact batting average supports 30+ home runs with 500 at-bats.
Projection: .250/70/25/80/3
8 – Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (ADP – 81.0)
In 2023, Raleigh’s playing time surged by roughly 33%, cementing him as a top-tier catcher with 78 runs, 30 home runs, and 75 RBIs. His walk rate edged up to 9.5%, and he trimmed his strikeout rate to 27.8% (from 29.4% in 2022 and 19.6% in the minors). He peaked over the final three months, hitting .235 with 42 runs, 19 home runs, and 42 RBIs in 272 at-bats, though he struggled against lefties (.218, four home runs, 14 RBIs in 101 at-bats).
Last season, Raleigh’s power trajectory continued, amassing 34 home runs and a career-high 100 RBIs in 546 at-bats. Increased RBI opportunities (430 vs. 391 in 2023) and a higher RBI rate (15.6% vs. 12.3%) fueled his production. His walk rate rose to 11.2%, with a steady strikeout rate (28.0%). A fly-ball-heavy swing (51.9%) maintained his HR/FB rate (17.4%), while his hard-hit rate climbed to 48.1% (up 7.4 points) and exit velocity ticked up to 91.0 mph. Despite sub-.200 months in May (.187), June (.193), and August (.163), he finished strong in September (.286, 16 runs, seven home runs, 20 RBIs, one steal in 98 at-bats). Seattle’s lineup adjustments placed him third or fourth for 416 of his at-bats, though he hit just .183 vs. lefties (21 runs, 13 home runs, 30 RBIs, and three steals in 153 at-bats).
Fantasy Outlook: Raleigh poses a classic trade-off: power over batting average. Seattle’s current roster (as of January 2nd) supports his lineup spot, but team improvement is critical for his value. His ADP (81.0) is a steal compared to 2023 (142.0), and his FPGscore (1.18) mirrors Salvador Perez’s, swapping runs and power for average. His power floor is reliable, with room to grow.
Projection: .225/75/30/85/3
9 – Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers (ADP – 95.7)
In 2023, a two-week concussion IL stint in April and eight rest days in September (prepping for playoffs) disrupted Smith’s rhythm. He hit .286 with 52 runs, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and one steal in his first 280 at-bats, but faded late (.223, 28 runs, six home runs, 24 RBIs, two steals in 184 at-bats).
Shohei Ohtani’s arrival in 2024 slashed Smith’s DH time (three games vs. 39 over 2022-2023). Still, he posted 77 runs, 20 home runs, and 75 RBIs in a Dodgers offense that scored 842 runs (second in MLB). His RBI chances dropped to a four-year low (352 vs. 413 in 2023, 412 in 2022, 376 in 2021), and he slumped from May to August (.205, 46 runs, 14 home runs, 43 RBIs in 303 at-bats). His contact batting average (.318) hit a five-year low, walk rate dipped to 9.4%, and strikeout rate rose to 19.3% (from 16.1%). A fly-ball swing (47.6%) hints at power upside, but his hard-hit rate (40.9%) declined for the fourth straight year.
Fantasy Outlook: Smith’s skills suggest untapped potential, but his swing’s loft yields easy outs, capping his average. In a top-tier lineup, his ADP offers value with a shot at 25+ home runs. He’s a dependable, cost-effective catcher.
Projection: .260/80/25/80/2
10 – Austin Wells, New York Yankees (ADP – 198.3)
Drafted 28th overall in 2020, Wells thrived in the minors (.260, 188 runs, 53 home runs, 213 RBIs, 39 steals in 1,089 at-bats), projecting as a rare 20/20 catcher. In 2023, he excelled at AA (.237, 28 runs, 11 home runs, 50 RBIs, five steals in 228 at-bats) and flashed power in the majors (four home runs, 13 RBIs in 70 at-bats).
In 2024, Wells started as a deep-league C2 but faltered early (.200, 13 runs, one home run, seven RBIs, one steal in 110 at-bats), hitting the waiver wire by mid-June. He rebounded over the final 105 games (.242, 29 runs, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs in 244 at-bats), though he struggled vs. lefties (.197, three runs, no home runs, 12 RBIs in 66 at-bats). His strikeout rate (21.0%) and walk rate (11.4%) were solid, with a fly-ball swing (43.3%) but unremarkable exit velocity (88.4 mph) and hard-hit rate (38.9%).
Fantasy Outlook: Improved catching depth gives Wells a clearer 2025 role. His 18th-ranked FPGscore (-5.60) and one steal disappointed, but progression could yield 20+ home runs and 10+ steals. Batting lower in the order limits runs and RBIs, but his ADP makes him a draft target.
Projection: .250/60/20/60/8
11 – Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics (ADP – 121.5)
Langeliers anchored Oakland’s catching in 2023, delivering 22 home runs and C2-level counting stats. He shone in April, August, and September (30 runs, 18 home runs, 44 RBIs combined) but slumped otherwise (.194, 22 runs, four home runs, 19 RBIs in 217 at-bats). His average hit rate (over 2.000 the past two years) projects 35+ home runs with 550 at-bats. His strikeout rate (27.2%) and walk rate (7.7%) improved, though more strikeout reduction is needed for average gains. A fly-ball swing (44.0%), rising exit velocity (91.3 mph), and HR/FB rate (19.2%) fueled his power, with 83.4% of his 482 at-bats in the middle of the order.
Fantasy Outlook: Langeliers echoes Raleigh’s power profile at a 40-pick discount. He hit 5+ home runs in four months, outpacing Adley Rutschman in FPGscore (-0.98) despite Oakland’s 643 runs. A better lineup could boost his counting stats. He’s a power-first fit for some builds.
Projection: .230/60/25/70/2
12 – J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies (ADP – 135.6)
Realmuto regressed in 2023, with a career-high strikeout rate (25.6%) and a six-year-low walk rate (6.5%). He thrived on the road (.306, 42 runs, 14 home runs, 30 RBIs, eight steals in 242 at-bats) but floundered at home (.198, 28 runs, six home runs, 33 RBIs, eight steals in 247 at-bats).
In 2024, injuries (neck, and knee surgery) cost him 63 games. His approach (24.7% strikeout rate, 6.5% walk rate) lagged his prior four-year average (23.7%/7.6%). After a dismal June-July (four runs in 46 at-bats), he hit .279 with 19 runs, seven home runs, and 27 RBIs in his final 147 at-bats. His fly-ball rate dropped to 33.3% (from 42.4%), exit velocity fell to 89.2 mph, but his hard-hit rate rebounded to 45.9%.
Fantasy Outlook: At 34, Realmuto’s shine has faded. Metrics offer rebound hope, but no DH at-bats (blocked by Kyle Schwarber) and injury-driven speed loss make him a wild card. He’s a neutral five-category option if he plays 135 games, best at a discount.
Projection: .260/60/15/60/5
13 – Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds (ADP – 144.9)
In 2023, while many catchers excelled, Stephenson fell short of expectations despite career highs in at-bats (465), runs (59), home runs (13), and RBIs (56). His bat failed to ignite consistently, though he performed better against left-handed pitching (.284, four home runs, 18 RBIs in 127 at-bats).
Last season, Stephenson turned it around, achieving new peaks in runs (69), home runs (19), and RBIs (66). Despite 57 fewer RBI opportunities (287 vs. 344 in 2023), he posted a middle-of-the-order RBI rate (17%). Early struggles (.240, 29 runs, six home runs, 24 RBIs, one steal in 204 at-bats over the first three months) gave way to a July-August surge (.288, 33 runs, 12 home runs, 31 RBIs in 170 at-bats), boosting fantasy teams.
His average hit rate jumped to 1.720 (up from 1.510, 1.509, and 1.558 over the prior three years), suggesting 25+ home runs with 500+ at-bats. Stephenson’s fly-ball rate rose to 33.5% (from 28.7% in 2023 and a 29.5% career average), though it cost him line drives (19.0% vs. 22.9% career). His exit velocity (90.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (43.9%) hit career bests. With an above-average walk rate (9.3%) and a reduced strikeout rate (22.7%, down from 26.0%), he showed growth.
Fantasy Outlook: The Reds cut his DH time to nine games (from 43 in 2023) and gave him no starts at first base (32 games from 2021-2023), despite losing their projected first baseman early in 2024. Expect steady output (60 runs, 15 home runs, 60 RBIs) with upside in 2025 if he gets more at-bats, ideally hitting fourth or fifth. He offers no speed.
Projection: .265/65/20/65/1
14 – Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks (ADP – 195.3)
Arizona limited Moreno’s 2023 workload, with no month exceeding 75 at-bats. He started strong in April (.301, five runs, one home run, 14 RBIs in 73 at-bats) and, despite a three-week midseason shoulder injury, finished well (.317, 18 runs, five home runs, 24 RBIs, three steals in 142 at-bats). He dominated lefties (.352, three home runs, 13 RBIs in 108 at-bats).
In 2024, injuries (thumb, illness, groin) sidelined him for 65 games across two IL stints. Post-All-Star break, he hit .333 with 11 runs, one home run, 14 RBIs, and two steals in 75 at-bats. He again excelled vs. lefties (.302, 16 runs, one home run, 19 RBIs, one steal in 106 at-bats). Moreno’s approach was strong (14.8% strikeout rate, 11.7% walk rate), though his groundball-heavy swing (49.6%, down from 54.6% in 2023) persisted. His fly-ball rate spiked (32.0% vs. 22.0% in 2023), with decent exit velocity (90.0 mph) but a middling hard-hit rate (41.0%).
Fantasy Outlook: Moreno’s average hit rate (1.432) lacks the punch for a reliable 15-home-run season. His strengths lie in batting average and modest stolen base contributions. A .280/50/10/50/5 profile suits some builds, making him a sleeper while others chase power. His ADP feels 100 picks too high.
Projection: .280/50/10/50/5
15 – Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals (ADP – 199.9)
In 2023, Ruiz ranked fourth among catchers in at-bats (523), 10th in runs (55), 14th in home runs (18), and ninth in RBIs (67). He hit .289 vs. lefties (one home run in 149 at-bats), with his best stretch over his final 265 at-bats (.287, 32 runs, nine home runs, 37 RBIs).
Last year, an April illness cost him 15 games, and his production dipped across all categories. Eight of his 13 home runs came in July and August (.237, 22 runs, eight home runs, 26 RBIs in 169 at-bats). His contact batting average (.259) has stayed below .300 for three years, reflecting a ceiling capped by his swing. Ruiz’s 11.1% strikeout rate keeps balls in play, but his batting average can’t exceed his CTBA. Past marks (.310 in 2021 minors, .273 in majors) hint at more, yet his swing direction limits him. His fly-ball rate rose to 46.2% (from 39.2% in 2023), but only 6.9% became home runs, with weak exit velocity (85.4 mph) and hard-hit rate (25.4%).
Fantasy Outlook: Ruiz’s grip on Washington’s starting catcher role is slipping. He needs harder contact and a sustained fly-ball approach to unlock potential. At best, he’s a 60/15/60 player with neutral average and negligible speed—a gamble, not a priority. His 21 home runs in 284 AAA at-bats in 2021 tease upside.
Projection: .260/55/15/55/2
The 2025 NFL off-season is underway but you can still get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord!
All morning on Sunday, Senior Analyst Jody Smith will be standing by to answer all your crucial fantasy questions and keep you updated with all the latest news and injury updates.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! GET THE LATEST ARTICLES & UPDATES
