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

Top 10 Catchers - Dynasty Prospects Rankings

Marc Hulet's top 10 catchers - dynasty prospects rankings for 2021 fantasy baseball leagues. He looks at the fantasy values of these MLB prospects and rookies.

Catchers perform a mostly thankless job as one of the hardest-working players on the baseball diamond day in and day out. The catcher is also one of the least sought-after players in a fantasy baseball draft although there have been catchers who, in their prime, were worthy of a significant investment such as Mike Piazza, Joe Mauer, or Buster Posey.

Finding a good catcher at the MLB level is not easy. If we look at 2019, only 11 backstops had a 100 wRC+ or better of the 21 catchers with 350 at-bats or more. Even fewer catchers seem to maintain strong performances year-over-year. Just ask the 2020 owners of Mitch Garver, Omar Narvaez, or Carson Kelly.

Today, we begin our position by position rankings of the best fantasy baseball prospects and, you guessed it, we’re starting with the catchers. The catching depth in the minor leagues is actually pretty solid right now with some intriguing offensive studs on the way and a handful of other players that could end up being fantasy relevant if their developments stay on course.

 

Tier 1

1. Adley Rutschman, Orioles (TOP 250 Rank: 12)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Power
Roadblock: Chance Sisco (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Rutschman leads the pack among coveted dynasty catchers but there is some risk here given that the first overall pick of the 2019 draft has yet to play an official pro game. Retired catcher Matt Wieters, who entered pro ball with similar hype back in 2007, went on to have a good career but never reached the levels expected of him because, well, catching at the big league level is hard.

Still, the scouting reports on Rutschman are glowing and he’ll be a player to watch this spring although he’s not among the club’s spring training invitees (but will be at the alternate spring site).  The young catcher reportedly has outstanding makeup, which should help him persevere through the challenges ahead. He has upside for 20+ home runs and a .300 average. That would put him in Buster Posey's territory.

2. Francisco Alvarez, Mets (TOP 250 Rank: 15)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Power
Roadblock: James McCann (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2023

Need to Know: James McCann was a very nice addition for the 2021 Mets but he’ll turn 31 partway through the coming season so he’s hardly the “catch of the future.” That distinction falls to Alvarez, who is on a collision course with the majors around 2023/2024 when McCann's contract will be running out. The highly-regarded prospect hasn’t played above rookie ball but he posted a 129 wRC+ as a 17-year-old catcher. Considering he had to learn a bunch of new pitchers, work on his defense, and also adjust to a new culture, that was fantastic.  Along with a natural feel for hitting, Alvarez has a patient approach, and produces a lot of hard contact.

3. Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks (TOP 250 Rank: 38)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Speed, Power
Roadblock: None (Threat Level: NA)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Things didn’t go as well as hoped during his MLB debut in 2020 but Varsho still has a ton of potential. There just aren’t any other players that project to qualify at catcher and have the ability to hit for a strong average and possess the skills to be a 20-20 player. Best of all, Varsho likely won’t wear out his knees squatting behind the plate every day — he’s more likely to patrol center field for the Diamondbacks in 2021 and beyond while seeing time as the team’s second or third catcher.

4. Joey Bart, Giants (TOP 250 Rank: 42)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power
Roadblock: Buster Posey (Threat Level: MEDIUM)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Bart’s 2020 major league debut showed that the promising young catcher has still has some work to do on the hitting side of his game. He produced a strong hard-hit ball rate of 48% but also a 37% strikeout rate and ugly 0.07 BB/K rate. Bart’s higher batting averages in the minors have always been driven by strong BABIPs which aren’t likely to continue at the MLB level. Still, the power is enticing and there is some upside on his batting average if he can learn to calm down at the plate a bit and improve his approach.

5. Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays (TOP 250 Rank: 60)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Power, OBP
Roadblock: Danny Jansen (Threat Level: MEDIUM)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Kirk has a little more risk than the catchers ahead of him but he has a chance to be one of the best hitting backstops in all of baseball in short order. The 22-year-old prospect was a little-known international free agent signee out of Mexico in 2017 and hadn’t played above A-ball before making his MLB debut in 2020. He also reached the majors with a 5-foot-8, 265-pound frame. But the good news is that Kirk arrived in camp this spring looking noticeably slimmer.

From an offensive standpoint, he has always walked more than he struck out in the minors and has never had a strikeout rate higher than 11.2% He has also had a natural feel for hitting (.315 career minor league average), generates excellent exit velocity (95 mph in MLB) and produces a lot of hard-hit balls (50% rate in MLB).

 

Tier 2

6. Tyler Stephenson, Reds (TOP 250 Rank: 69)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power, OBP
Roadblock: Tucker Barnhart (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Selected 11th overall, Stephenson had faded from memory for a lot of prospect watchers due to his relatively quiet ascent through the lower minors — owing more to “growing up” in the Reds system rather than one of the more high profile systems than anything else. He produced at an above-average offensive clip between 2017-2019 but the lack of shiny batting average, high stolen base numbers, or eye-catching home run totals kept him flying under the radar. He just did a collection of things well.

Then came 2020 when Stephenson appeared to make some adjustments to his swing at the alternate training site and he showed an improved launch angle at the MLB level which helped turn his raw strength into more damaging swings. It took some time but there’s been some huge growth here over the past year or two. If he can maintain the changes, he could be a solid catching option for both the Reds and fantasy managers.

7. Luis Campusano, Padres (TOP 250 Rank: 87)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Power
Roadblock: Austin Nola (Threat Level: MEDIUM)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: This might seem like a lower-than-expected landing place for Campusano but it has more to do with my appreciation for those ranked ahead of him rather than anything I have against the Padres’ prospect. I’m also taking a bit of a cautious approach because Campusano didn’t have a chance to prove his breakout 2019 season was for real. His walk rate took a significant jump while his OPS jumped .200 points between 2018 and ’19 while moving to a hitter-friendly league. His park had one of the lowest park factors in the league and his road/home OPS splits were 1.019/.795. He’ll likely be a very good hitter for a catcher but he’s not quite in the first tier just yet.

8. Bo Naylor, Indians (TOP 250 Rank: 120)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power
Roadblock: Roberto Perez (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: I’m a fan of Naylor and there is untapped growth here as a cold-weather-developed prospect who didn’t have the benefit of playing baseball all year long. He should hit for a solid average for a catcher with the threat to hit 20 homers as an everyday player. With some added experience, he should also provide solid value in on-base leagues given how well his eye is improving.

9. Diego Cartaya, Dodgers (TOP 250 Rank: 121)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, Power
Roadblock: Will Smith (Threat Level: HIGH)
ETA: 2023

Need to Know: About two months younger older than Francisco Alvarez, Cartaya is an intriguing, young backstop who could eventually provide value with both a solid batting average and above-average power. And he’s in an excellent player development system. To throw a little cold water on Cartaya's ascent, Will Smith is a pretty good catcher and still just 25 years old so he presents a formidable roadblock -- even if we're looking two to three years down the line.

10. Keibert Ruiz, Dodgers (TOP 250 Rank: 127)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average
Roadblock: Will Smith (Threat Level: HIGH)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: I’m down a fair bit on Ruiz and there is possibly some prospect fatigue happening here. I question his drive to get better. He’s a little bit like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a prospect that had an easy time with baseball as an amateur but then realized natural talent will only get you so far. There’s no doubting the fact Ruiz has natural hitting ability but he needs to refocus and possibly receive a change of scenery.

 

Just Missed

One name to watch: The recent (and surprising) trade from the Rays to the Red Sox organization gives Ronaldo Hernandez a new lease on life and sends him to a club desperately in need of some good, young talent to build around. He has 20-homer pop but his aggressive nature undermines his true impact. He hasn’t officially played above high-A ball although he spent a good portion of the 2020 season on the taxi squad, which would not have benefited his offensive development. Neither Christian Vazquez nor Kevin Plawecki is the long-term answer in Boston, and Connor Wong is the only real catching option in the minors but he’s more of a multi-position player like Austin Nola.



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 Prospects and Dynasty




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

Tre Mann

Set to Become an Unrestricted Free Agent
Bo Bichette

Scratched With Sore Knee
Cody Martin

to Enter Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout with Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF