Fantasy baseball drafts are right around the corner, so here at Grading on the Curve, we break down our top 10 players for each position, starting with catchers.
With fantasy baseball looming around the corner, everyone is looking to one-up their opponents, finding the diamond in the rough or breakout candidate. Now that Spring Training is underway, Grading on the Curve wants to be your go-to spot for fantasy baseball news, rankings, and tips for the 2016 season.
To start with our rankings, we will dissect the top 10 catchers, from a fantasy baseball perspective, to help those looking for that edge in upcoming drafts. Catchers are tough to pinpoint, because the position is very top-heavy, riddled with mediocrity throughout. However, if you strike gold on a performing catcher, it helps put you in a position to compete for the year.
Pretty much anyone who follows baseball can figure out who will be atop this list, but the really pivotal information lies outside of the top spot. So, without further adieu, let us take a look at whom makes our top-10 list for catchers in fantasy baseball.
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Next: Who Missed the Cut?
Blake Swihart: Sleeper Status
Boston’s Blake Swihart narrowly missed out on our top-10 fantasy catchers list. Swihart entered the 2015 season as one of the Red Sox’s top prospects; however, he struggled initially with Major League pitching. But, as a switch-hitting catcher, Swihart should transform into one of the best hitting catchers in the American League.
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Swihart had a lot on his plate in 2015. In addition to hitting, he had to transition as a Major League catcher, learning pitches and defensive schemes on the fly. The Boston Red Sox have a lot of faith in their young backstop, and with age, Blake Swihart should continue to improve both at the plate and behind the plate.
Swihart is basically an afterthought in fantasy baseball, but he offers sleeper status heading into 2016. More than likely, he will not be drafted in most fantasy baseball leagues, but if you are looking to stockpile some under-the-radar catchers (hoping for one to pan out), Swihart should be one catcher to top your sleeper list.
Other Notable Catchers:
- Wilson Ramos – Washington Nationals
- Derek Norris – San Diego Padres
- Yan Gomes – Cleveland Indians
- Welington Castillo – Arizona Diamondbacks
- J.T. Realmuto – Miami Marlins
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Year-in, year-out, catchers are the least appealing fantasy baseball position; however, if you land a solid catcher, it sets you up for a solid fantasy season. Do your homework, but remember, this is just one opinion out there.