MLB: Ranking the Top 30 Catchers Going into 2017

In the first segment of the 2017 MLB positional rankings, we take a look at how the league’s catchers stack up prior to opening day.

Overall, the catching position has not been where you find MLB’s best players, and this year is no different.

Yes, there are still a couple of up and comers that will b exciting to watch, and there’s your stalwarts that have been at the top of lists like these in the past.

What makes doing a preseason rankings list tough is that it’s nearly impossible to project injuries or other sudden factors that may shake up the list. But, I’m taking every factor into account when breaking down the best of the best.

Part of this criteria is that a catcher needs to get adequate playing time in order to show that they are the superior player. This doesn’t mean that backups won’t find themselves ahead of starters, but there will not be any projecting of minor leaguers who are not likely to see a lot of time in MLB stadiums.

On the whole, I’m looking at all aspects of players including offense, defense, base running and durability. However, I will say that offense is the most important factor when ranking players for this list.

So without further adieu, here is how I think that catchers will project going into the 2017 MLB regular season.

Ages are as of June 1, 2017.

WAR is according to Baseball Reference