TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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

Early 2017 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings

The 2016 fantasy baseball season may be over, but it’d be laughable to act like the fiending ever stops. Sure, we’re all able to watch some of our favorite players still make swoon with playoff drama, but there’s business to be had.

While players will find new homes during free agency, and can still get hurt doing mundane, offseason things – looking at you Sammy Sosa, with your violent sneezes from hell – it’s safe to say that we can look forward to the 2017 season with a general idea of how to rank these players.

Let’s descend into madness, and look my thoughts on the top players at each position. Assume a standard 5x5 redraft league with the rankings. First on the docket is catchers.

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.

 

Early 2017 Rankings: Top-10 Catchers

1. Jonathan Lucroy, TEX – His team option is going to be picked up by Texas, meaning he’ll get to hit in the middle of a solid Rangers lineup. He hit 11 homers with 31 RBIs (.276) in his 47 games (168 PAs) as a Ranger last season, so he should be A-OK here. While Miller Park ranked higher for home runs in 2016 according to ESPN Park Factors, Globe Life Park in Arlington wasn't that far behind and actually ranked better overall for runs. That's far from a foolproof metric, but in case anyone was on the fence about Lucroy's hitting prospects in Texas long-term, r-e-l-a-x.

2. Buster Posey, SF – San Francisco’s franchise catcher saw his stats slip in 2016, as he totaled his lowest homer total (14) for a season outside of 2011. That includes when he hit 18 homers in only 108 games in 2010. His career-low 9.8% HR/FB is weird to see alongside a career-high 36.1% hard-hit rate, so I expect he’ll bounce back. While AT&T Park is bad for hitting homers, it isn't like Posey was just traded to SF. He's done just fine as a Giant in years past, and that should continue in 2017.

3. Gary Sanchez, NYY – I wouldn’t be surprised if the name “Gary” spikes in popularity for babies born in the fall of 2016, as the Yankees top prospect smacked 20 taters in only 53 games (229 PAs). His ludicrous 40% HR/FB rate will drop, but this is a powerful man in a small stadium. Don't expect 40 homers, but that said, it's not outside of his range of outcomes either.

4. Salvador Perez, KC – His power gains from 2015 stuck around, which led to a career-high 22 homers in his age-26 season. His strikeout rate jumping from 14.8% to 21.8% is alarming, but he plays nearly everyday when healthy (his durability record is pretty darn solid) and hits bombs – which goes a long way for a catcher. A durable and powerful catcher makes for a good asset.

5. J.T. Realmuto, MIA – He was one of four regular catchers to end the season with a batting average over .300, and his 12 steals paced the field. His double-digit homers and steals joined his .303 average to give him solid value, and his batted-ball skills are good enough to replicate this in 2017.

6. Yasmani Grandal, LAD – The Dodgers’ backstop launched 27 homers despite hitting only seven in the first three months of the season. He also only batted .179 in those first three months, but then from July 1 on he hit .267 with 20 homers. In 2015, Grandal hit .282 with 14 homers in the first half, only to struggle with a .162 average and two homers from the All-Star game on thanks to a balky shoulder. He has it in him to be great, he just needs the consistency to get there.

7. Russell Martin, TOR – After a horribly cold start to the season (zero homers, .150 average in April), Martin salvaged his season thanks to a three-month stretch from June through August where he hit 281 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs. Toronto is still going to be a mighty fine place to hit in 2017, and Martin is unlikely to replicate his slow start.

8. Evan Gattis, HOU - He started at catcher in 49 games so C-eligibility should be there in all formats, and his 32 homers easily led all backstops, though he only got 72 RBIs for his efforts. His power makes him a strong play from the C-slot everywhere, and even if he only hits 25 in 2017, that should be enough to make him a top-10 play considering Houston's willingness to slot him in at DH in his quest for ABs.

9. Tom Murphy, COL – Nick Hundley’s contract is up and Murphy is ready to become Colorado’s primary catcher. It’s not set in stone, but there’s no reason to bring Hundley back. Murphy is a top prospect who hit 19 homers in only 80 Triple-A games last season before being promoted in September, when he hit five dingers in 21 games for the big-league club. He has power at a scarce position and gets to hit at Coors Field. What more do you need? I'm all aboard with this new generation of the Blake Street Bombers.

10. Brian McCann, NYY – This is a guy who is on the wrong side of 30 who runs slower than a pet rock, but he still hit 20 homers in 492 PAs and should be able to DH a lot on a young 2017 Yankees roster. He’ll still have C-eligibility in 2017, and as long as he gets to hit in that stadium then he’s a decent play at catcher.

 

Catchers #11-20

11. Wilson Ramos, WAS - That whole recovering from a torn ACL thing is a major drag.

12. Willson Contreras, CHC - Great talent, but growing pains are there and frequency of playing time in 2017 will be crucial.

13. Matt Wieters, BAL - You know what you're getting by now. 15-20 HRs, .250-.260 average.

14. Yadier Molina, STL - High average, low power. Rinse and repeat.

15. Stephen Vogt, OAK - He'll chip in modest stats across the board, but you'll never be happy starting him.

16. Travis d'Arnaud, NYM - Would love to see what he could do with a clean bill of health.

17. Cameron Rupp, PHI - Some sneaky pop, but unlikely to exceed 20 HRs along with .250 average.

18. Nick Hundley, FA - Mostly a product of Coors Field, but if Colorado does bring him back then he retains some value.

19. Derek Norris, SD - 14 HRs and 9 SBs in only 125 games was nice, but the .186 average hurt. 30.3% K-rate. Figure it out Derek.

20. Welington Castillo, ARI - Platoon guys aren't ideal, but it's #20 and he's still got some nice pop.




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

Yasiel Puig

Found Guilty of Obstruction of Justice, Lying to Officials
Travis Kelce

Undecided on Playing Future, Leaning Towards Returning in 2026?
Kristaps Porzingis

Ruled Out Saturday Against Lakers
Pelle Larsson

Exits Loss Early with Elbow Injury
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Leaves Friday's Game with Illness
Josh Hart

Leaves Friday's Blowout with Ankle Concern
De'Andre Hunter

Sidelined Midgame by Eye Injury
Shaedon Sharpe

Exits Friday with Calf Injury
Anthony Davis

Expected to Miss Remainder of Season
Brandon Nimmo

Carries High-Floor Profile into 2026
Trevor Story

Can Trevor Story Remain a Consistent Fantasy Option?
Spencer Strider

Carries High Risk Entering 2026
Drake Baldwin

Poised for More Productive Year 2?
Ben Rice

Could See More Time as Catcher Following Free-Agent Addition
Clarke Schmidt

Still Targeting Second-Half Return
Anthony Volpe

Unlikely to Return Until May?
Brett Wisely

Designated for Assignment by Rays
Mike Vasil

to Compete for Starting Rotation Spot
San Diego Padres

Padres Seeking Another Hitter, Starting Pitcher
Miguel Mendez

Could be on the Big-League Radar in 2026
Konnor Griffin

Can Konnor Griffin Win Shortstop Job in Pittsburgh?
Brandon Sproat

Should be in Mix for Brewers Rotation Spot
Dylan Ross

Pushing for Bullpen Role at MLB Level
Ben Rice

to Lose Playing Time With Veteran First Baseman Returning?
Paul Goldschmidt

Returning to Yankees on One-Year Deal
OG Anunoby

Won't Play on Friday
Tobias Harris

is Cleared for Friday's Game
Jalen Duren

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Gary Harris

is Returning on Friday
Jared McCain

Expected to Make Team Debut on Saturday
Nate Garkow

Receives Invitation to Spring Training
Isaiah Hartenstein

is Ready for Saturday's Game
Chet Holmgren

is Cleared for Saturday's Game
Emiliano Teodo

Could be Bullpen Asset for Rangers
Julius Randle

Cleared to Play Friday
Bobby Portis

is Available for Friday's Game
Josh Hart

Available Against Pistons
Junior Perez

in the Running for Backup Outfield Spot
Karl-Anthony Towns

Ruled Out Friday
Connor Prielipp

has the Arsenal to Start for the Twins
Josh Giddey

Won't Play Saturday
Cameron Johnson

Upgraded to Questionable
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Considered Questionable for Saturday
CFB

Rutgers Hiring South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen as Defensive Coordinator
Vinicius Oliveira

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Mario Bautista

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi

Set For UFC Vegas 113 Co-Main Event
Amir Albazi

Looks To Bounce Back
Rizvan Kuniev

Looks For His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marc-Andre Barriault

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Michael Penix Jr.

Says he's Ahead of Schedule After Knee Surgery
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
Valeri Nichushkin

Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
Ryan O'Reilly

Delivers Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Matt Boldy

Records Historically Fast Hat Trick Wednesday
Jet Greaves

Gives Blue Jackets Second Straight Shutout
Wyatt Kaiser

Hurt Against Blue Jackets
Sandis Vilmanis

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Jack Hughes

Out Thursday
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
Jordan Love

Avoids Offseason Surgery
Matt Fitzpatrick

Back in Action at WM Phoenix Open
Sahith Theegala

Riding Hot Start Into WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Regain Form at WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland

a Volatile Option at WM Phoenix Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Aims to Build on Solid Start to 2026
Brian Harman

Looks to Find Form at WM Phoenix Open
Daniel Berger

Has the Tools to Go One Step Higher at Scottsdale
Max Greyserman

Searching for Consistency at WM Phoenix Open
Jake Knapp

Wants Revenge at WM Phoenix Open
CFB

Joey Aguilar Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA
Joel Dahmen

Carrying Momentum Into WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners

Unlikely to Contend at Scottsdale
Sepp Straka

Seeks a Rebound After The American Express
Jordan Spieth

Healthy Heading to WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell

Building Momentum for Event in Scottsdale
Tom Hoge

The Tom Hoge Roller Coaster Heads to Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler

Worth a Look at WM Phoenix Open
Xander Schauffele

Making Second Appearance at Phoenix Open
Collin Morikawa

Needs a Bounce-Back at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Max Homa

Playing Well Heading to Waste Management Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin

Will Need to Find Approach Game to Compete in Phoenix
Michael Penix Jr.

Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB
NASCAR

Billy Horschel Unlikely to Right the Ship in Phoenix
Matthew Stafford

Doesn't Need Offseason Back Surgery
CFB

Joey Aguilar Files New Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Sixth Year of Eligibility
Davante Adams

Expected to Return to Rams in 2026
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Sign Sean McVay, Les Snead to Contract Extensions
Diego Lopes

Outclassed At UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski

Dominates Diego Lopes
Dan Hooker

Stopped In The Second Round
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Extends His Win Streak
Rafael Fiziev

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Maurício Ruffy Gets Back In The Win Column
San Francisco 49ers

49ers Set to Name Raheem Morris Their Defensive Coordinator
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Close to Naming Klint Kubiak the Next Head Coach
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Finalizing Deal to Make Mike LaFleur the Next Head Coach
CFB

Gus Malzahn Retiring from Coaching
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF