2025 Fantasy Baseball: Breakout, Sleeper, and Deep Sleeper Catchers
When crafting fantasy baseball rosters, the catcher position offers a broad spectrum of options. League size and scoring format heavily influence the talent pool’s depth. Each season, the challenge is to unearth value at catcher—whether through breakout stars, sleeper picks, or hidden gems. Below are my top catcher selections for 2025:
Deep Sleeper: Endy Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Pirates
In most redraft leagues, Endy Rodriguez will linger in the free-agent pool after missing 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Pittsburgh’s catcher depth chart is crowded, which could push their future standout to first base in 2025. As a switch-hitter, Rodriguez brings a potent bat with the potential to slot into the heart of the Pirates’ lineup, making him a late-round stash with upside in deep formats.
Deep Sleeper: Luis Campusano, San Diego Padres
Early draft trends show fantasy managers leaning toward Elias Diaz as San Diego’s primary catcher. While Diaz flashed power in Colorado, the 34-year-old feels like a stopgap. Campusano, however, is the Padres’ bridge to the future. He showed potential pop last season, especially with runners on base, and his sneaky power makes him a name to monitor. He’s a deep-league C2 candidate if his playing time solidifies.
Sleeper: Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians
Bo Naylor’s batting average may be shaky early in his career, but his patience at the plate should yield plenty of walks. Combine that with his rare mix of speed and power at catcher, and he’s a prime sleeper for 2025. With enough plate appearances, Naylor could easily outpace his ADP, rewarding managers who take the gamble.
Sleeper: Ivan Herrera, St. Louis Cardinals
Herrera’s starting opportunities last year didn’t translate to standout counting stats, but he displayed a reliable batting average floor. His minor-league track record hints at 15+ homers and double-digit steals, and his disciplined approach should blossom with more big-league reps. In 12- and 15-team leagues, he’s a strong C2 option with untapped potential—don’t overlook his ceiling.
Breakout Player: Austin Wells, New York Yankees
After months of digging into player research, I often find myself juggling countless thoughts on prospects and veterans alike. A single news nugget can shift a player’s draft stock in an instant. For Austin Wells, I see breakout potential in 2025 that exceeds his current ADP. His bat took off in the second half of last season, and Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, paired with sneaky stolen-base ability, make him a catcher to target in March drafts.
Breakout Player: Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
Francisco Alvarez fell short of lofty expectations in his second Mets season, hampered by injury setbacks. Still, his resume boasts a 25-homer campaign across 382 at-bats, and his minor-league plate discipline suggests room for growth. With more experience, his approach should sharpen, positioning him to outshine peers like Shea Langeliers and Cal Raleigh in 2025. If he rediscovers his power stroke, the Mets’ cleanup spot could be his for the taking.