👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Catchers

It's 'bout that time, eh chaps? The Winter Meetings have come and gone. With it, some of the biggest offseason dominoes have already fallen. The 2017 fantasy baseball draft board is beginning to come into focus. Now it's time to delve into player rankings. As is often the case, we'll start with our 2017 catcher fantasy baseball rankings for December.

This first round of rankings features picks from Kyle Bishop, Nick Mariano, Bill Dubiel, and me. I know I've had my initial lists in place since mid-October, and my colleagues here weren't too far behind me.

This year, we'll begin by presenting our rankings then share a few thoughts round table style.

Editor's note: Be sure to also check out our 2017 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. It's already loaded up with tons of great rankings articles and draft analysis. Aside from our tiered staff rankings for every position, we also go deep on MLB prospect rankings, impact rookies for 2017, and dynasty/keeper rankings as well. Bookmark the page, and win your drafts.

 

2017 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Catchers

Ranking Tier Player Brad Kyle Nick Bill Composite
1 1 Buster Posey 2 1 1 1 1.25
2 1 Jonathan Lucroy 1 2 2 2 1.75
3 1 Kyle Schwarber 3 4 4 3 3.5
4 1 Gary Sanchez 4 3 3 4 3.5
5 2 Yasmani Grandal 5 6 5 5 5.25
6 2 Willson Contreras 6 5 6 6 5.75
7 2 Russell Martin 7 10 7 8 8
8 2 J.T. Realmuto 8 9 9 7 8.25
9 2 Brian McCann 9 8 8 10 8.75
10 2 Evan Gattis 10 7 11 11 9.75
11 2 Salvador Perez 11 11 10 9 10.25
12 3 Cameron Rupp 12 12 13 13 12.5
13 3 Matt Wieters 13 17 14 12 14
14 3 Yadier Molina 14 13 16 15 14.5
15 3 Welington Castillo 17 15 17 14 15.75
16 4 Stephen Vogt 15 14 20 16 16.25
17 4 Austin Hedges 16 21 15 17 17.25
18 4 Tom Murphy 24 16 12 20 18
19 4 Travis d'Arnaud 18 20 18 18 18.5
20 4 Derek Norris 19 24 19 19 20.25
21 4 Wilson Ramos 22 19 21 21 20.75
22 4 Mike Zunino 20 18 23 25 21.5
23 4 Francisco Cervelli 25 23 22 22 23
24 4 Blake Swihart 23 30 27 24 26
25 5 Bruce Maxwell 21 32 29 23 26.25
26 5 James McCann 26 27 25 27 26.25
27 5 Devin Mesoraco 29 26 26 26 26.75
28 5 Yan Gomes 32 25 24 33 28.5
29 5 Sandy Leon 33 22 30 35 30
30 5 Chris Herrmann 27 33 33 28 30.25
31 5 Tony Wolters 28 36 28 30 30.5
32 5 Andrew Susac 30 31 32 32 31.25
33 5 Tyler Flowers 34 29 37 31 32.75
34 6 Nick Hundley 31 36 36 29 33
35 6 Jett Bandy 35 34 35 34 34.5
36 6 Jason Castro 38 28 41 38 36.25
37 6 Jorge Alfaro 38 36 34 38 36.5
38 6 Tucker Barnhart 37 36 41 36 37.5
39 6 Austin Barnes 38 36 38 38 37.5
40 6 Christian Bethancourt 38 36 39 38 37.75
41 6 Omar Narvaez 36 36 41 38 37.75
42 6 Kurt Suzuki 38 36 41 37 38
43 6 Miguel Montero 38 36 40 38 38
44 6 Carlos Ruiz 38 35 41 38 38

 

Are there any picks you want to defend?

Brad: I tabbed Murphy 24th. Everyone loves Murphy's fantasy potential. I'm included in everyone.

There's just one problem. The Rockies really like Tony Wolters' defensive ability, and he hits enough to start in the majors. So, does Wolters take 300 PA or 450 PA? I don't know yet - I'd guess closer to 450. And that doesn't leave much room for Murphy to provide fantasy value.

Kyle: I'm the high man on Sandy Leon. Do I think for a second he'll flirt with a .400 BABIP again? No, but he has enough pop and plate discipline to be a decent option in AL-only and two-catcher formats. He'll again be part of one of baseball's best lineups and he's good enough defensively to have earned some job security.

Everyone likes Derek Norris more than I do. Again, BABIP regression is likely - this time in the other direction - but Norris's strikeout rate spiked last season and he didn't even get a power boost out of the deal. Also, don't hold your breath on him coming near double-digit steals again now that he's left the Padres and their kamikaze baserunning ways.

Nick: I'm way up on Murphy at #12, which combines his power ceiling at Coors with my disillusionment with the pack. I'd rather grab a catcher who hit .327 with 19 HRs in 321 Triple-A PAs before slugging five bombs in 49 MLB PAs last year. Wolters' plus defense will keep the rotation very honest, but just 300 PAs of Murphy is likely more valuable than most. It also allows you to platoon for a nice composite if you're savvy. And if Wolters gets hurt, look out. All of this gets baked into my ranking, so here we are.

Bill: I'm highest on four-time All Star Salvador Perez, although not by much. I understand my colleagues' trepidation after Perez hit just .247 last year, clearly trading contact for power--he set career highs in homers, ISO and strikeouts. I'm considering last year the outlier, as Perez has never been that kind of hitter in the past. I'm banking on him getting his average back up in 2016.

Sweet sassy molassey I love me some J.T. Realmuto. The dude hit .303 across 509 ABs last year, and while you can chalk some of that up to his .357 BABIP you still have to figure he'll fall within .275-.285 if he stays healthy. Combine that with the fact that he's got at least 15 homers and 10 stolen bases, and there is top-five potential here.

 

Which picks by others look overly bullish/pessimistic?

Brad: I'll point out a couple of Kyle's. Gattis as the seventh catcher was correct pre-McCann trade. Once Houston trades Gattis, it'll be right again. Until then, we're all wrong (but Kyle's most wrong). Leon at 22nd is crazy, but at least it won't hurt much given the alternatives. Leon looked like a pure fluke while he was raking, then he turned pumpkin down the stretch.

Nick tagged Murphy as the 12th catcher which will look smart if Wolters suddenly ceases to exist. Otherwise, it's quite the reach for Zunino's Colorado cousin.

Kyle: Brad and Bill are driving the Bruce Maxwell bandwagon. I'm not seeing it. He's 26 year old with thoroughly uninspiring minor league numbers outside of a nice run at Triple-A last season, and he's going to have a tough time finding at-bats. Oakland has Vogt, Josh Phegley, and a cadre of 1B/DH types.

Also, none of have Tuffy Gosewisch ranked, which pretty much invalidates this entire exercise.

Nick: Vogt being around #15 is too high for me, as I think he'll still be limited by Oakland's platooning ways (as he should be) and unlike Murphy, Vogt's ceiling does not justify a bump. Out of 35 catchers with at least 250 PAs last season, Vogt's 26.8% hard-hit rate checked in at a meager 31st despite the ninth-highest soft-contact rate of 21%. Not good at 32 years old. If you need roughly 12-15 homers with few strikeouts, then fine, you go Glen Coco. I'll pass.

Bill: Everyone else is higher on Mike Zunino than I am, with Kyle being the highest at 18. The only positive for Zunino that I see is playing time--he doesn't have much in the way of competition, with Carlos Ruiz behind him and Jesus Sucre lurking in the minors. Zunino has struck out in almost a third of his professional at bats, and while the power numbers are nice (.262 ISO in 2015) he's a career .195 hitter in the majors. It's a smallish sample size and he's still maturing as a hitter, but even if he improves, we're looking at maybe .225 with 20-25 homers? He'll be a power boon for rotisserie leagues, but that batting average and the strikeouts are a huge detraction in any format.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
MarShawn Lloyd

to Compete for No. 2 Job
Deshaun Watson

Back on the Fantasy Radar in 2026?
Emanuel Wilson

to Carry Early-Season Upside in Weak Backfield?
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Jalen Nailor

Can Jalen Nailor be the No. 1 Wide Receiver in Las Vegas?
Jacob Bridgeman

Great Season Keeps Rolling For Jacob Bridgeman Ahead of Valspar Championship
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Emerging as a High-End Dynasty Stash
Alex DeBrincat

Shines with Three Assists Monday
Jack Hughes

Produces Three Assists in Comeback Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Returns with Three-Point Effort
Erik Gudbranson

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Shayne Gostisbehere

to Remain Sidelined Tuesday
Maxim Shabanov

Considered Day-to-Day
Adrian Kempe

Labeled Day-to-Day
Malik Monk

Might Miss Another Game Tuesday Night
Naz Reid

Questionable for First Game of Back-to-Back
Myles Turner

Questionable to Suit Up Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Iffy for Meeting with Knicks
Ivica Zubac

May Sit Out Tuesday's Action
Andrew Nembhard

Questionable Tuesday Due to Calf Issue
Andrew Wiggins

Remains Out Tuesday
Akshay Bhatia

Riding Strong Form Into the Valspar Championship
Darnell Mooney

Poised for Large Role in Giants Offense?
Nathan Carter

the New Handcuff at RB in Atlanta?
Jalen Tolbert

the New WR2 in Miami?
Pascal Siakam

Likely to Remain Out Tuesday
Patrick Cantlay

Playing Well Heading to Valspar Championship
Keegan Bradley

Needs Improvement From Approach Play at Valspar Championship
Kevin Porter Jr.

Available Against Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson

Questionable for Tuesday's Game
Dylan Sampson

Set to be Pass-Catching Backup RB in Cleveland
Joel Embiid

to Remain Out Tuesday
Jaylin Noel

Dynasty Value on the Rise, Could be WR3 in 2026
Jarrett Allen

to Sit Out At Least Three More Games
Keenan Allen

Fantasy Stock Continues to Fall as he Nears the End of his Career
Trae Young

Exits Early Monday Due to Quadriceps Contusion
Drake London

to be a Volatile WR2 With QB Uncertainty?
John Collins

Starting Against Spurs
Craig Porter Jr.

Out 1-3 Weeks With Groin Strain
Russell Westbrook

Off Injury Report for Tuesday
Clint Capela

Alperen Sengun Sidelined, Clint Capela Starting Against Lakers
Bam Adebayo

Iffy for Tuesday Night
Walter Clayton Jr.

Javon Small Out Monday, Walter Clayton Jr. Returns to Starting Lineup
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Listed as Questionable for Tuesday
Rayan Rupert

GG Jackson II Out, Rayan Rupert to Start Against Bulls
George Holani

Signs Tender Offer on Monday
Johan Rojas

Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
José Ramírez

No Plans for Jose Ramirez to Undergo Imaging on Injured Shoulder
Darius Slay

Retires From the NFL
Seiya Suzuki

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Joe Musgrove

Expected to Open the Year on the Injured List
Christian Kirk

49ers Sign Christian Kirk to One-Year Deal
Matt McCarty

Could Thrive at the Valspar Championship
Michael Kim

Seeks to Dust Off Tough Week at TPC Sawgrass
Max Homa

Enjoying a Solid 2026 Heading into Valspar Championship
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Slugging Through Rough 2026 Season
Zach Neto

Expected to Return to Game Action on Tuesday
Kyren Williams

Will Kyren Williams Remain the Undisputed RB1 in Los Angeles Going Forward?
Mason Taylor

Does Mason Taylor Have Breakout Potential in 2026?
Puka Nacua

Appears Poised to Dominate for Years to Come
Andrew Novak

Wants to Rebound After The Players Championship
Austin Smotherman

on Baby Watch as Valspar Championship Approaches
Ben Sinnott

Does Not Appear to Be in Washington's Long-Term Plans
Luke Clanton

Might Have Issues at the Valspar Championship
Sam Darnold

Profiles as a Safe QB2 in Dynasty Formats Heading into 2026
Jerry Jeudy

Can Jerry Jeudy Bounce Back from Underwhelming 2025 Campaign?
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Must be Accurate at the Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Zach Neto

to Take Batting Practice on Monday
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Connor McDavid

Records Three Assists Sunday
Bo Groulx

Makes Big Impact Sunday
Drake Batherson

Pots Two Goals in Sunday's Win
Bobby McMann

Continues Dream Start in Seattle
Kirby Dach

Injured on High Hit
Alexander Wennberg

Without Timeline for Return
Leon Draisaitl

Exits Early with Injury Sunday
Troy Terry

Adds Three Points in Return to Lineup
Leo Carlsson

Picks Up Trio of Points on Sunday
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez is Day-to-Day with Shoulder Inflammation
Brendan Gallagher

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Sunday
Daniil Tarasov

Starting Against Kraken
Ty Emberson

Remains Out Sunday
Bobby Brink

Questionable Sunday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Unavailable Against Wild
Corbin Carroll

to Resume Playing Defense This Week
Francisco Lindor

Non-Committal About Status for Opening Day
Nathan Eovaldi

Named Rangers' Opening Day Starter
Hayden Birdsong

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Forearm Strain and UCL Sprain
Marcelo Mayer

Scratched With Left-Knee Soreness
Zach Neto

Tests Come Back Negative, Dealing With Sprained Hand
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Francisco Lindor

is Making Spring Debut on Sunday
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
Seiya Suzuki

Leaves WBC Game on Saturday With Right-Knee Discomfort
Zach Neto

is Removed After Suffering Hand Injury
Joe Ryan

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Zack Wheeler

Throws First Live BP Session on Saturday
Merrill Kelly

Expected to Open Season on the Injured List
Kevin Gausman

Named Toronto's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Back in Grapefruit League Lineup
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF