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The Catcher position in fantasy baseball is such a premiere position that most fantasy owners have trouble getting sustained production. Injuries and poor play can cost an owner vital stats from this spot that can be remedied easily through perusing their friendly waiver wire.
Here are some names to look for to fill the void at the catcher position.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for catchers, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
Waiver Wire Adds for Catchers
Travis d'Arnaud (NYM) Owned in 22% of Fleaflicker Leagues
The New York Mets have been struggling to find a replacement for their young catcher since he went down with an injury in late June. But have no fear, he is back! He was hitting .280 and had a SLG% above .500. He should provide an instant boost to the struggling offense that has plagued the Mets all season.
The acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes should alleviate some burden off of the returning d'Arnaud, but he is expected to return to the lineup and produce. The Mets need d'Arnaud to utilize his .836 OPS and .329 OBP to help boost the rest of the lineup. If someone dropped him earlier in the year, now is the time to pounce.
Baller Move: Add in 10+ and NL-Only Leagues
Welington Castillo (ARZ) Owned in 4% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Castillo came over in the trade for Mark Trumbo and has helped fill the void at C for the high powered offense of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since the trade from Seattle, Castillo has buffed his BA by 100 points to a respectful .258 with 9 HR and 20 RBI. His BB% is back up to its highest level around 8% and his SLG% is trending upward at .478 for the season.
He brings veteran leadership to the young pitching staff and has alleviated the Diamondbacks from rushing prospects or overpaying for C help in a trade. He should have no real competition from anyone else in the organization and has the full trust of management. Castillo has simply been money since leaving Safeco Field.
Baller Move: Add in 10+ and NL-Only Leagues
Curt Casali (TB) Owned in 3% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Casali bided his time behind the likes of Rene Rivera and Bobby Wilson to get a real shot at being the answer at backstop for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has not disappointed since receiving the vote of confidence. Casali has launched 7 HR with a .268 BA and is getting the majority of starts ahead of Opening Day starter Rene Rivera. His K% is up near 31% which is concerning, but his ISO is north of .400. His BABIP of .258 is right where it should be given that he is an all or nothing kind of hitter. If you are in need of power, Casali can give you very cheap power from the C slot.
Baller Move: Add in 12+ AL-Only and 2-Catcher Formats
J.T. Realmuto (MIA) Owned in 8% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Realmuto was a two position star for part of his minor league career at SS and C. But when the Marlins needed him to convert to a full time catcher, he delivered. He has been given the shot this year to take over the staff from an overpaid and underachieving Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
He got out of the gates a little sluggishly. After gaining some more confidence via reps, Realmuto has strung together a nice couple of weeks to put his BA above .280 with 6 XBH and even 2 SB! This guy should only be getting better and with the Marlins committing even further to young talent in another lost 2015 campaign.
Baller Move: Add in 12+ NL-Only and 2-Catcher formats.
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