👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


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.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
RJ Harvey

to be Relegated to Third-Down Role After Rookie RB Addition?
Baker Mayfield

A Lot of Uncertainty Surrounding Baker Mayfield Going into Fourth Year in Tampa
Brian Robinson Jr.

a Must-Have Handcuff in Dynasty Leagues?
Sam LaPorta

Could be Excellent Buy-Low Candidate for Risk-Tolerant Managers
Jordyn Tyson

on a "Maintenance Plan" During Offseason Workouts
Kenneth Walker III

One of Dynasty's Biggest Risers for 2026
D'Andre Swift

an Underappreciated Dynasty Buy Candidate
Ray Davis

Still a Dynasty Stash Despite a Lack of Standalone Value
Travis Kelce

Now a Low-Cost Dynasty Rental
DJ Moore

a Reasonable Buy Candidate Now That Dynasty Market Has Cooled
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Devin Vassell

Posts 20 Points in Game 3 Loss
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles From Deep in Friday's Loss
Victor Wembanyama

Held to Four Rebounds in Game 3 Loss
Jaylin Williams

Catches Fire From Deep Friday
Jared McCain

Drops Playoff-High 24 Points in Game 3
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Guides Thunder to 2-1 Series Lead
Ajay Mitchell

Does Not Return in Game 3 Win
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Pavel Dorofeyev

Focuses on Playmaking in Friday's Win
Jack Eichel

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing in Game 2 Win Friday
Ivan Barbashev

Amasses Three Points as Golden Knights Grab 2-0 Series Lead
Jordan James

Most Likely to be 49ers' RB2 in 2026
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Rudy Gobert

Earns Eighth All-Defensive First-Team Selection
Victor Wembanyama

Headlines 2025-26 All-Defensive First Team
Ajay Mitchell

Starting Game 3 Against Spurs
Dylan Harper

Available for Game 3 Against Thunder
De'Aaron Fox

Returns to Action Friday
Jalen Williams

Won't Play Friday Night
Derrick Henry

Remains in RB1 Discussion
Ladd McConkey

is Solid Buy-Low Candidate
Ryan Flournoy

an Intriguing Dynasty Stash Option
Jalen Nailor

is Expected to Have Larger Role in Las Vegas
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Keep Faith in Frederik Andersen
Devon Levi

Attracting Interest From Senators
Jacoby Brissett

Cardinals Not Close to a Reworked Deal
Scott Wedgewood

Starting Game 2 Against Golden Knights
Ben Hutton

Scratched for Game 2 Against Avalanche
Mark Stone

Won't Play Friday
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
Cale Makar

Remains Out Friday
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
NFL

Evan Stewart Pushing Oregon Receiving Corps
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
New York Giants

Giants, GM Joe Schoen Agree on a Multi-Year Extension
Andrew Thomas

Giants Managing Multiple Injuries for Andrew Thomas
Cam Ward

Loses 10 Pounds in the Offseason
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Tucker Kraft

a Top Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
Evan Mobley

Fills the Box Score in Game 2 Loss
James Harden

Held to Two Assists Thursday
Donovan Mitchell

Leads Cavaliers in Scoring in Game 2 Defeat
Karl-Anthony Towns

Records Double-Double in Game 2 Win
Sebastian Aho

Picks Up an Assist in Series-Opening Loss
Mikal Bridges

Adds 19 Points as Knicks Grab 2-0 Lead
Jalen Brunson

Hands Out 14 Assists in Game 2 Win
Seth Jarvis

Needs 33 Seconds to Score in Game 1 Loss
Josh Hart

Erupts for Playoff Career-High 26 Points in Game 2
Jaccob Slavin

Struggles in Game 1 Against Canadiens
Jakub Dobes

Sharp in Game 1 Victory
Cole Caufield

Bags Two Points in Impressive Road Win
Juraj Slafkovsky

Opens Conference Finals With Three-Point Performance
Nick Suzuki

Notches Three Assists in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Jrue Holiday

Wants to Stay in Portland
Alex Tuch

Hopes to Remain in Buffalo
Sidney Crosby

Wants to Play for "as Many Years as Possible"
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF