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Grading on the Curve: Top 10 Fantasy Catchers in 2016

By Matthew Schoettler

Oct 4, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) hits an RBI single against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) hits an RBI single against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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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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11. <p><strong><a href=. Catcher. Goose Creek, South Carolina. Matt Wieters. 10. player

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Visalia, California. Stephen Vogt. 8. player. 96. <p>2015 marked the first time that <strong><a href=. Catcher

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7. player. 7. <p>Over the past three seasons, <strong><a href=. Catcher. Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela. Salvador Perez

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Jonathan Lucroy. 6. player. 76. <p>Last season, <strong><a href=. Catcher. Eustis, Florida

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5. player. 61. <p><strong><a href=. Catcher. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Devin Mesoraco

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<p>When Brian McCann began his career with the Atlanta Braves, it was hard to argue that there was a better catcher in baseball. However, fast-forward to 2016, and Brian McCann shifted his focus from an all-around hitter to a power-oriented hitter. With a power-oriented approach at the plate, McCann’s power and swing play well in Yankee Stadium.</p><p>However, due to his all-out approach, Brian McCann’s batting average continues to trend in the wrong direction, but outside of his slash line, McCann continues to contribute in other counting stats. In 2015, Brian McCann hit a career-high 26 home runs, and he matched a career-best 94 RBI. With an impressive 2015 season, Brian McCann took home his sixth Silver Slugger Award.</p><p>Last season, if you invested in McCann, you reaped the benefits of his bounce-back season. However, entering the 2016 season, McCann is valued as the third-best option behind the plate in fantasy baseball. Entering his age-32 season, some regression might be in line for McCann, but by hitting in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, he should provide a healthy dose of home runs and RBI.</p>. Catcher. Athens, Georgia. Brian McCann. 4. player. 43

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Kyle Schwarber. 3. player. 9. <p><strong><a href=. Catcher. Middletown, Ohio

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<p>Simply put, <strong><a href=. Catcher. Long Beach, California. Travis d'Arnaud. 2. player. 3

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31. <p>So, if you made it this far and did not know who would top the list, you, my friend, might be in for a long fantasy baseball season. <strong><a href=. Catcher. Leesburg, Georgia. Buster Posey. 1. player

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:

  1. Wilson Ramos – Washington Nationals
  2. Derek Norris – San Diego Padres
  3. Yan Gomes – Cleveland Indians
  4. Welington Castillo – Arizona Diamondbacks
  5. J.T. Realmuto – Miami Marlins

Next: Grading on the Curve: Top 10 Fantasy Rookies in 2016

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.

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