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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Two-Catcher Leagues: 3 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Draft Targets (2024)

Alejandro Kirk, Fantasy Baseball Catcher

Andy's two-catcher league fantasy baseball draft targets. His top fantasy baseball catchers to target late in your drafts to fill the second catcher slot.

When playing in two-catcher fantasy baseball leagues, your pre-draft strategy can significantly differ from one-catcher leagues. Instead of just highlighting a few names at the catcher position, you now have to double that just to ensure you draft two players you are comfortable with.

Another caveat is how much you should push catchers up your draft board. Should you reach for an elite option or wait until two fall to you at the right price and focus on other positions instead?

No matter your strategy, it is better to be familiar with some names lower on the typical catcher ranking sheets you will find. The players below are ideally taken as second catchers and are currently outside of the mainstream “top 12” options at the position. These players do have some upside to them and are worthwhile investments in two-catcher leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays

ADP: 266

At the top of this list is Alejandro Kirk, the current starting backstop in Toronto due to Danny Jansen's injury, who could potentially miss the opening two weeks of the season. This injury provides the 25-year-old with an opportunity to reclaim the starting role he once held in 2022 and prove he is worth receiving a majority of playing time even when Jansen returns. 

In 2022, Kirk saw much success, posting a .285 AVG, .372 OBP, and .415 SLG. However, 2023 was a year to forget, as his batting average dropped. His on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and batting average all dropped to .250, .334, and .358, respectively.  

While his statistics on the surface showed a significant decline, his walk and strikeout rate remained excellent. Last season, the right-handed bat posted a 10.7% K rate and 12.8% whiff rate, which placed him in the 98th and 99th percentile among qualified batters, respectively. In addition, Kirk had an above-average 10.0% walk rate. These numbers were right in line with his dominant 2022 numbers, where he had an identical 10.7% K rate, 15.4% whiff rate, and 11.6% walk rate.

The one worry about Kirk’s game is that he will hinder your team’s power output. In 2023, Kirk placed in the back half among qualified hitters in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and average exit velocity. While power may not be his specialty, expect Kirk to post strong counting stats as the Toronto Blue Jays hope to compete for the American League East.

In 2022, Kirk tallied 59 runs and 63 RBI, which were valuable from a catcher perspective. Kirk’s counting stats were down last year, but due to how well he can get on base, I expect those numbers to return close to the 2022 form.  

Draft Kirk and feel confident knowing that he will be a valuable asset to boost your team’s batting average and on-base percentage, but be sure to address your power hitters earlier in the draft. ATC eyes a bounce back for Kirk and projects the Blue Jay to hit for a .267 AVG and register a .350 OBP.

 

Austin Wells, New York Yankees

ADP: 334

The current No. 5 prospect in the Bronx is slated to receive a majority of the starts behind the plate in 2024. The former Arizona Wildcat got a taste of the big leagues last season, where he posted a .229 AVG, .257 OBP, and .486 SLG across 70 at-bats.

Unlike Kirk, Wells can be a sneaky selection late in drafts to boost your team’s power output. Wells posted a .531 SLG against right-handed pitchers and a 14.0% barrel rate, which would have placed him in the top percentile of hitters if he qualified.

What makes Wells an intriguing option as a second catcher is his ability to crush fastballs. The Yankee had a .752 xSLG and 17.2% whiff rate against fastballs, which is a strong foundation for a recipe for success in the majors.

Kirk and Wells share one similarity: They play on a good team. Even if they both consistently bat toward the bottom half of the lineup, they should see plenty of at-bats every game and be primed for RBI opportunities.  

Wells is a nice complement to contact-hitting catchers like Keibert Ruiz or Gabriel Moreno if you choose to select them as your primary catcher, as Wells could see a path to hitting 20 long balls in 2024. ATC currently projects Wells to come just short of that mark with 13 home runs. 

 

Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins

ADP: 249

Rounding out this list is a proven power hitter who recently saw his batting average increase massively over the past season. Ryan Jeffers posted a career-high .276 AVG in his third full season in the majors, which is drastically different from his .199 and .208 AVG in 2021 and 2022, respectively.  

In 2023, Jeffers matched his career high in home runs with 14, a feat he previously achieved in 2021. The only difference is that this time he did so with an almost 80-point higher batting average. 

One reason he saw this jump in batting average was his increase in exit velocity. In 2023, he hit all three pitch types (fastball, breaking, and off-speed) harder than the year prior, improving his overall offensive output as a result.

Another positive note in his performance in 2023 was the drastic increase in his wOBA (weighted on-base percentage) from .287 in 2022 to .369 in 2023, which suggests he is drastically improving as an overall player.  

The 26-year-old should see most of the starts behind the dish in Minnesota, making him a worthy and safe selection as a second catcher who could very well outperform his ADP. ATC projects another strong power season for Jeffers, hitting 16 round-trippers.

Drafting second catchers can become quite difficult as the draft progresses. Many of the catchers in the later rounds are defensive specialists and do not provide any offensive performance for a fantasy setting, which could greatly hinder your team’s success.  

These three catchers have significant bat-to-ball skills and could even unlock some untapped power potential that could push your team over the edge this season.  



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Devaughn Vele

Traded to Saints
Demarcus Robinson

Issued Three-Game Suspension
Lamar Jackson

Dealing With Minor Foot Injury
Lamar Jackson

Suffers Apparent Hand Injury
Félix Bautista

Felix Bautista has Surgery on Torn Rotator Cuff
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Tour Championship
Corey Conners

Looking to Reverse Struggles at East Lake
Joe Mixon

Could Begin Season on PUP List
Cameron Young

Stays Hot Ahead of Tour Championship
Harris English

Aims for Complete Game at East Lake
Sepp Straka

Back in Action at East Lake
Ben Griffin

a Strong Value Play at East Lake
Bubba Chandler

to Join Pirates on Friday
Rory McIlroy

Chasing Another Win at East Lake
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for 30th at BMW Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Seventh at BMW Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Keegan Bradley

Finishes Tied for 17th at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at BMW Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at BMW Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Wins BMW Championship
Brian Robinson Jr.

Not Expected to Play for Commanders This Year
Kenley Jansen

Considered Day-to-Day With a "Physical" Injury
Rashee Rice

Could be Facing 4-6 Game Suspension?
Harry Hall

Hot at the Right Time for Tour Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound at Tour Championship
Jacob Bridgeman

has One Weakness Heading to Atlanta
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not Expecting to Be Moved Before the Season
Nick Taylor

a Long Shot to Win Tour Championship
Josh Giddey

Bulls Not Interested in Sign-and-Trade Deal Involving Josh Giddey
Brian Harman

Trying to Crack Top 20 at Tour Championship
Andrew Novak

Attempts to Bounce Back in Atlanta
Oscar Tshiebwe

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Justin Rose

Seeks Even More Success at Tour Championship
Washington Wizards

Alondes Williams Joins Wizards for Training Camp
Washington Wizards

Wizards Add Skal Labissiere for Training Camp
Francisco Alvarez

Needs Thumb Surgery, May Play Through Injury
Willy Adames

Out With Side Soreness on Tuesday
A.J. Brown

on Track to Play in Week 1
Jacob deGrom

Being Skipped in Rotation Due to Shoulder Fatigue
Adley Rutschman

Scratched on Tuesday With Abdominal Discomfort
CBJ

Brendan Smith Joins Blue Jackets on Tryout Deal
STL

Milan Lucic Joins Blues for Tryout
DET

Red Wings Pick Up Travis Hamonic
Austin Riley

Doesn't Appear Ready to Return Any Time Soon
Aaron Judge

Unikely to Throw Normally Again This Year
Jalen McMillan

Could be Out Through Week 9 Bye
Indiana Pacers

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to a Multiyear Contract Extension on Tuesday
Washington Wizards

John Wall Retires After 11 NBA Seasons
Daniel Jones

Named as Colts Starting Quarterback
Jalen McMillan

Will Not Be Ready for Season Opener
Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Tuesday Night
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Pulled With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Game 2 of Brewers-Cubs on Monday Postponed
Bryce Miller

to be Activated on Tuesday
Kyle Tucker

to Get Multiple Days Off
Shane Bieber

to Make Season Debut on Friday
Joe Mixon

Could Start Season on NFI List
Zack Wheeler

has Surgery to Remove Blood Clot
De'Von Achane

Unlikely to Practice This Week
Justin Jefferson

Returning to Practice
Chris Godwin

Bucs Chris Godwin Likely to Start Season on PUP List
Joe Flacco

Browns Name Joe Flacco as Their Week 1 Starter
Jalen McDaniels

Inks Deal With New Orleans
N'Faly Dante

Signs Deal With Hawks
Matthew Stafford

Practicing on Monday
Dru Smith

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Austin Dillon

Scores an Upset Victory at Richmond
William Byron

Clinches the Regular Season Championship Title at Richmond
Denny Hamlin

Pit-Road Struggles Impede Denny Hamlin's Chances of a Top Finish at Richmond
Joey Logano

Earns A Fourth-Place Finish at Richmond
Kyle Larson

Rallies to A Top-10 Finish at Richmond
Malik Nabers

Dealing With Back Injury
Khamzat Chimaev

Is The New UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus Du Plessis

Gets Dominated At UFC 319
Aaron Pico

Suffers Knockout Loss In His UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Scores Stunning First-Round Knockout
Leodalis De Vries

Earns Promotion to Double-A
Nathaniel Lowe

Finalizing Deal with Boston
Geoff Neal

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Ketel Marte

Arizona Could Trade Ketel Marte in the Offseason
Carlos Prates

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Page

Dominates At UFC 319
Jared Cannonier

Gets Outclassed
Tim Elliott

Gets Submission Win
Kai Asakura

Still Winless In The UFC
Austin Cindric

has Arguably his Best Run of the Season at Richmond
Ryan Blaney

Contends for First Richmond Win but Comes Up Short
Alex Bowman

Finishes Second but Loses Ground in Playoffs
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Sets Personal Laps-Led Record at Richmond
Chris Buescher

Falls Out of Playoffs After Miserable Richmond Run
Coby White

Bulls Not Interested in Trading Coby White
Dereck Lively II

Expected to be Ready for Camp
Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders "Shopping" Brian Robinson Jr.
John Metchie III

Texans Trade John Metchie III to Eagles
Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP