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Fantasy baseball: Ranking the top 5 fantasy catchers to draft

By Alvie Unglesbee

Jul 16, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fantasy baseball drafts are happening daily with Opening Day on March 30. Catchers are always important to research ahead of time. Some leagues require one catcher while others need two. I think it’s a good idea to draft one of these five guys listed below regardless of your league’s rules.

Top 5 fantasy baseball catchers for the 2023 MLB season

  • J.T. Realmuto is the top catcher in fantasy. He does everything across the board! He hits in the middle of a great lineup in Philadelphia. He is a 20/20 threat again this season after doing just that in 2022.
  • Daulton Varsho was traded to Toronto from Arizona in the offseason and will benefit from being in a better lineup. He is the one guy on this list who plays outfield but has catcher eligibility. That will keep his bat in the lineup more often. His only downfall is his batting average. This could be an issue as he hit .235 in 2022 but he is still a threat to steal bases.
  • Will Smith is a strong source of power for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has back-to-back seasons of at least 24 home runs and 76 RBI. He also doesn’t drain your batting average as much as some catchers. Unfortunately, his at-bats as a DH will take a hit this season with the arrival of J.D. Martinez.
  • Salvador Perez continues to produce every season. He is probably your safest pick for a catcher. Draft him and watch the home runs and RBI pile up. He will get plenty of at-bats as designated hitter as well because the Kansas City Royals need him in the lineup.
  •  Adley Rutschman is the new face of the Baltimore Orioles. He came right out of the gate hitting, smacking 13 home runs in 398 at-bats in 2022. He’s only 25 years old and is poised for a breakout season. He should be a top 5 catcher for years to come.

Grabbing any of these five guys is an advantage but for those of you in a two-catcher league, snatching one is a must!

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