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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jackson Holliday

Hitting Off a Tee
Carson Benge

Right-Field Job is Carson Benge's to Lose?
Andrei Kuzmenko

Done for Regular Season
Josh Morrissey

Activated From Injured Reserve
Jiri Kulich

Unlikely to Return This Season
Shayne Gostisbehere

Exits Early Friday
Roope Hintz

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Friday
Dylan Larkin

Not Expected to Be Out Long-Term
Evgeni Malkin

Suspended for Five Games
Maxx Crosby

Traded to Baltimore in Blockbuster Deal
Deni Avdija

to Miss Seventh Straight Game
Brandon Williams

is Returning on Friday
Klay Thompson

is Upgraded to Available on Friday
Amen Thompson

is Available on Friday
Daniel Gafford

Won't Play on Friday
Andrew Wiggins

is Downgraded to Out
Deandre Ayton

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
LeBron James

Won't Suit Up on Friday
Mattias Janmark

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
Dalton Schultz

Texans, Dalton Schultz Agree on One-Year Extension
John Gibson

Starting Against Panthers
Roope Hintz

Available Against Avalanche
Sidney Crosby

Rejoins Practice Friday
Bobby McMann

Traded to Seattle
Justin Faulk

Lands in Detroit
Nazem Kadri

Avalanche Bring Back Nazem Kadri
Joe Mixon

Texans Release Joe Mixon
Harrison Barnes

is Ruled Out for Friday
Quinn Priester

Brewers Concerned About Quinn Priester's Wrist Injury
Dejounte Murray

is Cleared for Friday's Game
VJ Edgecombe

Misses Friday's Practice
Corbin Carroll

Taking Live At-Bats in Camp
Joel Embiid

to be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

to Undergo Foot Surgery
Jayson Tatum

is Officially Returning on Friday
Brayden Schenn

Islanders Trade for Brayden Schenn
Elmer Soderblom

Penguins Acquire Elmer Soderblom
Ricky Tiedemann

Could Resume Throwing Soon
Jackson Chourio

"Fine" After Suffering Hand Contusion
Trey Yesavage

Blue Jays "Still View" Trey Yesavage as a Starter
Max Holloway

A Favorite At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Set For BMF Title Fight
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Prefer Not to Start Fernando Mendoza Immediately?
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Looks To Bounce Back
Caio Borralho

Set For UFC 326 Co-Main Event
Rob Font

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Clarke Schmidt

Ditching New Sweeper Grip
Raul Rosas Jr.

Looks For His Fifth Consecutive Win
J.J. Wetherholt

Is JJ Wetherholt Already the Best Cardinals Hitter?
Corey Perry

Lightning Acquire Corey Perry
Drew Dober

Returns At UFC 326
Michael Johnson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Rafael Devers

Could Return to Game Action Next Week
Nick Foligno

Wild Acquire Nick Foligno
Bobby Brink

Wild Acquire Bobby Brink
Geno Smith

Raiders Release Geno Smith
Josue Briceño

Josue Briceno has Wrist Surgery, Expected to Miss Multiple Months
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Hopes to be Ready for Opening Day
Jackson Chourio

Won't Play in WBC on Friday
Carlos Correa

Scratched With Neck Injury
Brandon Woodruff

is a Risky Draft Choice
Jackson Merrill

Likely to Bounce Back in 2026
Junior Caminero

Could be Risky at Current ADP
Nic Dowd

Golden Knights Acquire Nic Dowd
Jeff Petry

Traded to Wild
Owen Caissie

Off to Slow Start in Camp
Logan Henderson

Sharp in Spring Training
Robby Snelling

Punches Out Six Over Three Scoreless Frames
Bryce Eldridge

Performing Well in Cactus League
Grant Williams

Good to Go Friday
Ivica Zubac

to Remain Out Friday
Aaron Nesmith

Listed as Probable for Friday
Danielle Hunter

Texans, Danielle Hunter Agree to One-Year, $40.1 Million Extension
Trey Murphy III

Available Thursday Night
Zion Williamson

Cleared to Take on Kings
Andrew Nembhard

Expected to Play Against Lakers Friday
Pascal Siakam

Probable for Friday's Action
DJ Moore

Bears Working to Finalize Deal to Send DJ Moore to Buffalo
Stefon Diggs

Patriots Releasing Stefon Diggs
Trent McDuffie

Chiefs Sending Trent McDuffie to Rams in Blockbuster Deal
Taylor Moore

Looking to Build on Cognizant Classic Finish
Robert MacIntyre

Brings Solid Form to Bay Hill
Scottie Scheffler

the Tournament Favorite at Bay Hill
Xander Schauffele

Trending Well Ahead of API
Si Woo Kim

Looking to Return to Top Form at Bay Hill
Ben Griffin

Looking to Return to Form at Arnold Palmer Invitational
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks to Build on Cognizant Classic Win at Arnold Palmer
Sam Burns

Searching for Consistency at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Daniel Berger

Offers Sneaky Upside at Bay Hill
Justin Thomas

Making Season Debut at API Following Lower-Back Surgery
NASCAR

Collin Morikawa Hopes To Better Last Year's Runner-Up Finish at API
Tommy Fleetwood

Isn't As Confident of a Start at Bay Hill as Previous Weeks
Kyler Murray

Will be Released
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Not Using the Franchise Tag on Trey Hendrickson
Daniel Jones

Colts Place Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Adam Scott

Might Endure Tough Times at Bay Hill
Aldrich Potgieter

Extremely Risky When it Comes to Bay Hill
PGA

Sungjae Im to Make Season Debut at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Jordan Spieth

an All-or-Nothing Option at Bay Hill
Harry Hall

Trying to Rebound After the Genesis Invitational
Ryan Gerard

Needs Better Start at Bay Hill
Kenneth Walker III

Won't Get the Franchise Tag
Patrick Cantlay

Still Plagued by Bad Putting Ahead of Arnold Palmer Invititational
Daniel Jones

Colts Expected to Use Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Breece Hall

Jets Placing Franchise Tag on Breece Hall
CFB

Mark Stoops Joining Texas Coaching Staff
Jason Day

Attempts to Bounce Back from The Genesis Invitational
Jacob Bridgeman

Rolling into Arnold Palmer Invitational
Russell Henley

Looks to Defend Title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Khalil Mack

Will Play in 2026
MMA

Lone'er Kavanagh Gets Back In The Win Column
Brandon Moreno

Gets Outclassed
Marlon Vera

Loses Fourth Fight In A Row
Daniel Jones

Colts Have "50/50" Chance to Get a Deal Done With Daniel Jones
David Martinez

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Daniel Zellhuber

Loses Third Consecutive Fight
King Green

Gets Second-Round TKO Win
Felipe Bunes

Drops Decision At UFC Mexico City
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ryan Blaney

Falls to Eighth Despite Running Most of the Race in the Top Five At COTA
Ty Gibbs

Wins A Stage and Finishes Fourth At COTA
Christopher Bell

Earns First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at COTA
Kyler Murray

"Repeatedly" Linked to Jets
Shane Van Gisbergen

Falls Short of Victory At COTA
Tyler Reddick

Wins At COTA and Makes NASCAR History
David Montgomery

Texans Acquire David Montgomery From Lions
Kyler Murray

Likely to be Released
Travis Etienne Jr.

Not Expected to be Franchise-Tagged
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF