2025 Fantasy Baseball: Top 15 Catchers

The catcher position has a wide range of ADPs and outcomes in the fantasy market. Each drafter will have a different view of the catcher pool, with league format ultimately determining each player's value. The goal by drafting an early catcher is gaining an edge in slot in the batting order, playing time, and overall production. The fantasy teams that punt catchers hope to create their advantage at other positions with a target of 20 to 30 home runs and more than 100 RBIs. A negative in batting average should be a given. Here are the 12 catchers from 2024 ranked by FPGscore:

The average of these players hit .257 with 66 runs, 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, and three stolen bases over 502 at-bats. By drafting William Contreras last season, a fantasy team gained about 3.92 fantasy points in league standings in 12-team formats. The only other three catchers offered a positive outcome in fantasy points gained.

Note: I wrote the 2025 top 15 catcher rankings by NFBC ADP in early January. After completing all the players, I adjusted their ranks to match my feelings about the player pool.

1 – William Contreras, MLW (ADP – 25.1)

Over the past three seasons, Contreras smashed 60 home runs over 1,469 at-bats while developing into an excellent middle-of-the-order bat based on his RBI rate in 2023 (17%) and 2024 (18%).

Last year, he jumped out of the gate with success over his first 277 at-bats (.307/52/9/48/5). Contreras slumped over the final two weeks in June (.208 with five runs and two RBIs over 53 at-bats) while having his best power month in August (.295/22/9/23/1 over 105 at-bats).

His strikeout rate (20.5) and walk rate (11.5) were career-bests. Contreras hit 19 of his 23 home runs off right-handed pitching, but his batting average (.313/22/4/24 over 144 at-bats) had more value against lefties. The Brewers hit him between second and fourth in their batting order for 94.8% of his at-bats. Despite his recent success in power, Contreras continues to have a high groundball rate (54.5 – 55.0 in 2023 and 53.0 in 2022). His exit velocity (92.8 – 15th) and hard-hit rate (49.5 – 22nd) ranked highly last season for the players (207) with at least 400 plate appearances. His launch angle (6.1 – 200th) puts more shine on the weakness in his swing path.

Fantasy Outlook: There’s a lot to like about Contreras, and Milwaukee gives him extra playing time at DH (102 games over the past three seasons). He hits the ball hard, but a further push in home runs requires him to put more balls in the air. With a little more loft, 30 home runs are within reach. Buy his four-category edge, with any speed being a bonus. Conteras is priced high in drafts, but I feel he hasn’t reached his ceiling. On the downside, the lineup behind him in the batting order may not support repeated success in runs. Let’s go: .290/85/25/85/5

2 – Adley Rutschman, BAL (ADP – 66.9)

The expected edge by drafting Rutschman didn’t reach the heights expected in 2023 despite leading all catchers in plate appearances (687) and at-bats (588). Rutschman finished second in FPGscore (0.27 – 73rd most valuable hitter). His lack of steals (1) cost him a more impactful rating.

Over the first half of last year, he hit .294 with 44 runs, 15 home runs, 55 RBIs, and one stolen base over 323 at-bats, putting him on pace for an impact catcher season. Unfortunately for fantasy teams, he lost his way over his final 248 at-bats (.194/24/4/24). His sharp decline in play suggests an underlying injury, but there was no report of this during or after the season. He tried to add more loft to his swing (42.9% fly-ball rate – 34.6 in 2023), but Rutschman finished with a career-low in his HR/FB rate (9.3) with minimal change in his exit velocity (88.2 mph). His hard-hit rate (36.6) remains in an underwhelming area.

Rutschman handled himself well vs. lefties (.329/19/7/33 over 164 at-bats). He had a regression in his walk rate (9.1 – 13.6 over his two seasons) with only a slight pullback in his strikeout rate (16.1 – 14.7 in 2023). His average hit rate (1.559) and contact batting average (.306) were five-year lows.

Fantasy Outlook: Last year, Baltimore finished fourth in the majors in runs (786 – 2nd in the AL). Rutschman brings pedigree with a better price point in drafts this year. Investors must overlook his poor finish, hoping the stars align in his swing for an entire season. He has the talent to be a high-average bat with a future ceiling of a 100/30/100 season. For the record, 102 hitters had more fantasy value than him last season (he is the 40th batter off the table in 2025). At age 27, with most of his playing time hitting second in the batting order, Rutschman looks poised to pop this year. I’d rather buy him at a slight discount while understanding his edge at catcher. The Orioles will give him plenty of at-bats at DH, leading to winning playing time.

3 – Yainer Diaz, HOU (ADP – 57.7)

In 2023, Diaz made the Astros out of spring training, but they gave him minimal at-bats (62) over the first two months (.226/9/2/5). He started to hit his way into the lineup in June, leading to a productive edge at catcher (.294 over 42 runs, 21 home runs, and 55 RBIs over his final 293 at-bats) for the rest of the year.

Despite a significant uptick in at-bats (330) from the previous season, Diaz had a sharp decline in his run rate (35 – 46 % in 2023) and his HR/FB rate (10.6 – 17.7% in 2023). He has a rising groundball rate (54.7) and a fading fly-ball rate (28.0). As a result, his average hit rate (1.474) came in well below his success in his rookie season (1.910). When putting the ball in play, Diaz posted a higher contact batting average (.366 – .356 in 2023). He lowered his strikeout rate (17.3) while remaining a free swinger (3.9% walk rate).

Diaz improved last season vs. left-handed pitchers (.306/22/6/25 over 157 at-bats) while being a much better player at home (.337/45/10/46 over 300 at-bats). After a dull May (.200 over 85 at-bats with five runs and 10 RBIs), he hit over .300 in each of the final four months (.363, .337, .304, and .303). His best production came from June through August (.331 with 42 runs, 13 home runs, and 51 RBIs over 293 at-bats). His exit velocity (92.2 – 21st) and hard-hit rate (48.7 – 27th) graded well.

Fantasy Outlook: Based on swing path, Diaz doesn’t project to be an impact power hitter at this point of his career. The Astros gave him 75 games at DH over the past two seasons, and he does offer insurance at first base. Houston should give him most of his playing time in 2025 between four and sixth in the batting order. Diaz profiles as an edge in batting average with neutral to positive success in runs, home runs, and RBIs. Last year, he ranked 54th in FPGscore (0.93) for hitters. Diaz is the 36th batter drafted in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship in early January. I like him and see the edge at catcher, but he must post a .280/80/25/90 season to pay off.

4 – Logan O’Hoppe, LAA (ADP – 124.9)

Over his five seasons in the minors, O’Hoppe hit .279 with 169 runs, 50 home runs, 187 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases over 1,048 at-bats. His walk rate (10.6) graded well, beating the league average with his strikeout rate (19.2). He looked the part of a starting major league catcher over 360 at-bats at AA (.283 with 72 runs, 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and seven steals) in 2022.

In 2023, O’Hoppe made the major league club out of spring training, making him a potential value at the C2 position in the fantasy market. He hit .283 over his first 53 at-bats with five runs, four home runs, and 13 RBIs before landing on the injured list for four months with a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery. His bat delivered 10 home runs and 16 RBIs over his final 129 at-bats after returning to the start lineup in mid-August.

Coming into last season, Hoppe drew the attention of some fantasy drafters as an upside catcher. He finished the year ranked 10th in FPGscore (-2.87). Before the All-Star break, his bat was on an impact pace (.276 with 41 runs, 14 home runs, 42 RBIs, and one steal) while striking out 24.1% of the time. Hoppe lost his way over his final 189 at-bats (.196/23/6/14/1) as pitchers made him chase more (38.2% strikeout rate). On the year, his walk rate (6.3) was below his minor league resume (10.6).

His exit velocity (90.4) and hard-hit rate (46.3) aligned with his rookie season. O’Hoppe lost his fly-ball swing path (37.8% - 48.1% in 2023). O’Hoppe struggled with lefties (.167/12/4/9 over 96 at-bats). He came to the plate with only 278 runners on base while seeing most of his at-bats hitting fifth and sixth in the batting order (77.0%).

Fantasy Outlook: A year removed from shoulder surgery and another season of experience bodes well for O’Hoppe in 2025. The Angels ranked 25th in runs (623) last season. His RBI chances should improve dramatically if he can hit behind Mike Trout. When adding his underlying speed, O’Hoppe looks poised to outperform his ADP (124.9) by a wide margin this year. Giddy up, as his name should have a circle around it on draft day. He has 30 home run potential, and double-digit steals are well within reach. I’m ranking him fourth at catcher in 2025, and O’Hoppe has the tools to finish at the top of his position if he gets his strikeouts under control for an entire season.

5 – Willson Contreras, STL (ADP – 81.0)

After researching the first five catchers ranked by NFBC ADP, Contreras is the clear drop off in playing time, based on his previous years. He has never had more than 475 at-bats in his nine seasons in the majors. Last year, the Cardinals had him on the field for 84 games due to two lengthy stints on the injured list (forearm and finger issues). His draft momentum is tied to St. Louis moving Contreras to first base in 2025 while expecting some time at DH, pointing to the best opportunity in his major league career.

His stats (.262/48/15/36/4 over 301 at-bats) projected over 550 at-bats last year came to 88 runs, 27 home runs, 66 RBIs, and seven steals. Based on this data, the case can be made to rank him fourth at catcher in 2025.

Last season, Contreras posted the highest fly-ball rate (37.1) of his career while continuing to have a high floor in his HR/FB rate (19.7 – 20.3%). His exit velocity (91.6 mph) improved in back-to-back seasons. Over his final 171 at-bats, he hit .263 with 25 runs, nine home runs, 23 RBIs, and two steals. Contreras doesn’t have a middle-of-the-order RBI rate (11.7 in 2024 and 14.7 in his career). The Cardinals gave him 87.7% of his at-bats (301) hitting second and third in the batting order.

Fantasy Outlook: There’s something to be said for a catcher earning more playing time by starting at another position. Contreras checks the power box with some help in speed for a catcher. At the very least, he should offer value in runs and RBIs with 500 at-bats. Possible 30+ home runs with career-highs in the other three counting categories. I do see some batting average risk.

6 – Salvador Perez, KC (ADP – 71.9)

Perez's best asset at this point in his career is his ability to drive in runs. Last season, his RBI rate (20 – 19.0% from 2020 to 2024) was helped by an improving Royals’ lineup. Despite playing in 158 games, he scored only 58 runs, with a sharp decline in his run rate (28 – 38% in 2023). His contact batting average (.347) is trending higher while remaining well below his success in 2020 (.439) and 2021 (.376). Perez set a new top in his walk rate (6.8) while posting his best strikeout rate (19.8) since 2017.

His swing played well vs. left-handed pitching (.297/17/9/25 over 145 at-bats). Perez played at a high level over the first two months (.321/24/10/41 over 209 at-bats). He had a regression in his HR/FB rate (13.0) for the third consecutive season while maintaining a high fly-ball swing path (44.5%). His exit velocity (91.1 mph) and hard-hit rate (44.2) fell in line with his career path (90.3/43.6).

Fantasy Outlook: The injury to Vinnie Pasquantino last season helped Perez get more playing time at first base (49 games). His bat has event upside with clutch ability, and Kansas City should push further up the offensive ranking in 2025. At age 34, he isn’t the player he once was. His underlying metrics don’t point to more power, and I expect him to be a liability in runs, even with elite at-bats for a catcher. Last season, Perez ranked 48th for hitters in FPGscore (1.22). My starting point is a .260/60/25/80 type season, making him a fade based on his current price point.

7 – Francisco Alvarez, NYM (ADP – 148.1)

Over five seasons in the minors, Alvarez hit .271 over 930 at-bats with 179 runs, 61 home runs, 181 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. In 2022, he beat up AA pitching (.277/43/18/47 over 253 at-bats), leading to a call-up to AAA (.234 over 158 at-bats with 31 runs, nine home runs, and 31 RBIs). His walk rate (13.6) was an elite area with a slightly below-par strikeout rate (23.3). Alvarez had a high floor in his contact batting average (.376) and an elite average hit rate (1.937).

The Mets called him up in 2023 after four games in the minors (.250/4/2/4/1 over 16 at-bats). Alvarez showed his potential in May (.292/11/7/17 over 72 at-bats) and July (.275/14/8/16 over 69 at-bats). Over his other 241 at-bats, he hit .166 with 26 runs, 10 home runs, and 30 RBIs. His bat was empty on many days vs. lefties (.171 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, and 37 strikeouts over 129 at-bats).

Alvarez's excitement ended quickly last season due to a thumb issue on April 19th, which led to 51 days on the injured list. Over his first 55 at-bats, he hit .236 with eight runs, one home run, eight RBIs, and one steal while striking out 14 times. His bat was trending much higher over his next 28 games (.333/10/3/15 over 87 at-bats), but Alvarez struggled over 34 games after the All-Star break (.150 with 10 runs, two home runs, seven RBIs, and 34 strikeouts over 107 at-bats). He flashed his power potential in September (15-for-59 with 11 runs, five home runs, and 17 RBIs).

His strikeout rate (25.2) and walk rate (8.8) did improve while trailing his minor league career. Alvarez had a groundball swing path (52.2% - 44.0% in 2023), leading to a sharp decline in his launch angle (6.9 – 12.5 in 2023) and a lower fly-ball rate (31.7 – 42.9% in 2023). As a result, he had a weaker exit velocity (88.8 mph) and hard-hit rate (42.0).

Fantasy Outlook: On the surface. Alvarez doesn’t look prime to break out in 2025, but I believe he has the talent to surprise. His approach is much better than Cal Raleigh and Shea Langeliers, and his contact batting average over his career path supports 30+ home runs with over 500 at-bats. I expect growth in his walk rate, helping his ability to score runs. I consider him a strong buy, and I would double-tap catchers if he slid in 15-team drafts. I’ll set his bar at .250 with a 70/25/80 floor in 2025.

8 – Cal Raleigh, SEA (ADP – 81.0)

In 2023, Raleigh saw his playing time rise by about 33%, leading to top-tier catching value in runs (78), home runs (30), and RBIs (75). His walk rate (9.5) trickled higher while shaving off some damage in strikeouts (27.8 – 29.4 in 2022 and 19.6 in the minors). His best play came over the final three months (.235/42/19/42 over 272 at-bats). Raleigh had less value vs. lefties (.218 with four home runs and 14 RBIs over 101 at-bats).

His power progression (343 home runs) continued last season, with another increase in at-bats (546). Raleigh set a career-high in RBIs (100), thanks to a spike in his RBI chances (430 – 391 in 2023) and his RBI rate (15.6 – 12.3 in 2023). He upped his walk rate (11.2) with almost the same strikeout rate (28.0). His swing path (51.9%) remains fly-ball favoring with no change in his HR/FB rate (17.4). Raleigh pushed his hard-hit rate (48.1) by 7.4 percentage points from 2023, with a slight uptick in his exit velocity (91.0 mph).

Raleigh hit under .200 in May (.187), June (.193), and August (.163) while ending the year with success in September (.286/16/7/20/1 over 98 at-bats). The change in the Mariners starting lineup led to him hitting third and fourth in the batting order for 416 of his 546 at-bats. He only hit .183 vs. lefties with 21 runs, 13 home runs, 30 RBIs, and three steals over 153 at-bats.

Fantasy Outlook: The coin flip for fantasy drafters this season about Raleigh is trading batting average for power at the catcher position. The current Mariners’ roster (January 2nd) gives him a chance to bat in a similar part of the batting order. Team structure is key to his fantasy value, but his ADP (81.0) is much lower than in 2023 (142.0). His FPGscore (1.18) last season was almost identical to Salvador Perez's. In this comparison, the tradeoff would be more runs and some home runs for batting average. I respect his floor in power, and he is improving. My thought is a .225/75/30/85 player who needs Seattle to improve their starting lineup to reach a higher ceiling.

9 – Will Smith, LAD (ADP – 95.7)

In 2023, Smith landed on the injured list for two weeks with a concussion in April. Los Angeles gave him eight days off over their final 21 games in September to get him rested for the postseason. Over his first 280 at-bats, Smith hit .286 with 52 runs, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and one steal. His season ended with quiet stats over the back third of the year (.223/28/6/24/2 over 184 at-bats).

The addition of Shohei Ohtani last year closed the opportunity for Smith at DH (three games – 39 over the previous two seasons). He finished the year with competitive catcher stats in runs (77), home runs (20), and RBIs (75). The Dodgers were the second-highest-scoring team (842 runs) in 2024, but Smith came to the plate with a four-year low in RBI chances (352 – 413 in 2023, 412 in 2022, and 376 in 2021). From May to August, he hit only .205 with 46 runs, 14 home runs, and 43 RBIs over 303 at-bats.

His contact batting average (.318) was a five-year low. Smith has a regression in his favorable walk rate (9.4) with a pullback in his strikeout rate (19.3 – 16.1% in 2023). He continues to have a fly-ball swing path (47.6%), suggesting more power, but Smith saw his hard-hit rate (40.9) regress for the fourth consecutive season.

Fantasy Outlook: The foundation skill set for Smith suggests better production. The loft in his swing invites many easy outs, limiting his ceiling in batting average. He plays in an elite scoring lineup, and his price point this season is more favorable than in previous years. More of the same, with a chance push past the 25 home run mark. I view Smith as a safe, value-catching option.

10 – Austin Wells, NYY (ADP – 198.3)

The Yankees drafted Wells 28th overall in the 2020 MLB June Amateur Draft. Over three seasons in the minors, he hit .260 with 188 runs, 53 home runs, 213 RBIs, and 39 stolen bases over 1,089 at-bats, giving him a future 20/20 profile for a catcher.

Wells saw time at A, AA, AAA, and the majors in 2023. His best production came at AA (.237/28/11/50/5 over 228 at-bats). With New York, his power (four home runs and 13 RBIs over 70 at-bats) translated well.

Last year, Wells was an attractive C2 option in deep formats. Unfortunately, fantasy managers scoured the waiver wire by the second week of June due to his empty stats over his first 110 at-bats (.200/13/1/7/1). As his hit tool improved, the Yankees gave him more playing time over their final 105 games (.242/29/12/48 over 244 at-bats). Wells struggled against lefties (.197 with three runs, no home runs, and 12 RBIs over 66 at-bats). His strikeout rate (21.0) and walk rate (11.4) graded well. He had a fly-ball swing path (43.3) with no defining edge in his exit velocity (88.4 mph) or hard-hit rate (38.9).

Fantasy Outlook: New York's catching depth suggests Wells will have a much better opportunity this year. He ranked 18th last year by FPGscore (-5.60) while failing to meet expectations in steals (1). The Yankees will hit him down in their batting order, lowering his chances in runs and RBIs. His natural progression should push Wells over 20 home runs with an excellent chance at double-digit stolen bases. Depending on my team build, Wells is a player I will follow in drafts to see where I can buy him at a fair price. I will rank him as one of the top 10 catchers after writing about the first 15 catching options.

11 – Shea Langeliers, OAK (ADP – 121.5)

Oakland gave Langeliers the bulk of their catching starts in 2023. He filled his power bucket (22 home runs) with C2 stats in the counting categories. Langeliers had 30 runs, 18 home runs, and 44 RBIs combined in April, August, and September. Over the other three months, his bat offered losing stats (.194 over 217 at-bats with 22 runs, four home runs, and 19 RBIs).

Over the past two seasons, he had an average hit rate higher than 2.000, painting 35+ home runs if given 550 at-bats. His strikeout rate (27.2) and walk rate (7.7) were the best of his career in his time in the majors, but he still has to shave off more strikeouts to push higher in batting average. Langeliers has a fly-ball swing path (44.0%), with a rising exit velocity (91.3 mph) and HR/FB rate (19.2). The A’s hit him in the middle of their batting order for 402 of his 482 at-bats (83.4%).

Fantasy Outlook: Langeliers has much in common with Cal Raleigh, with an ADP 40+ picks later. He had five home runs or more in four of six months last season. Oakland must improve the quality of their lineup so that he can increase his output in runs and RBIs. Langeliers did outperform Adley Rutschman last season in FPGscore (-0.98), even with the A’s scoring 143 fewer runs than Baltimore. Next step: 30 home runs with a slight bump in batting average. He doesn’t fit my catcher style, but one that fits a drafter looking for power from the position in this draft area.

12 – J.T. Realmuto, PHI (ADP – 135.6)

In 2023, Realmuto had a regression in his stats across the board, highlighted by the highest strikeout rate (25.6) in his career and a six-year low in his walk rate (6.5). He played well on the road (.306/42/14/30/8 over 242 at-bats) while losing his way at home (.198 over 247 at-bats with 28 runs, six home runs, 33 RBIs, and eight steals).

Injuries (neck and right knee – needed surgery) plagued Realmuto last season, leading to 63 missed games. His approach (strikeout rate – 24.7 and walk rate – 6.5) was slightly below his previous four seasons (23.7/7.6). After stepping to the plate only 46 times in June and July (only four runs and no other counting stats), he was on a productive pace over his final 147 at-bats (.279/19/7/27/1).

His swing path aligned with his career averages, but his fly-ball rate (33.3) was well below 2023 (42.4% - career high). Realmuto saw a decline in his exit velocity (89.2 mph) for the second consecutive season, but he rebounded in his hard-hit rate (45.9 – 42.7% in 2023).

Fantasy Outlook: At age 34, the fantasy market has lost its love for Realmuto’s bat. His supporting metrics give him a chance to rebound this year, but he doesn’t have much of an opportunity to see at-bats at DH (none of the past two seasons) with Kyle Schwarber occupying that slot in the Phillies lineup. The lack of speed last year was injury-driven, making him a wild card to earn any value in the stolen base category in 2025. Realmuto is reasonably priced based on his time with Philadelphia. He is a risk/reward player who can be a neutral five-category player if he can stay on the field for 135 games. I’d rather buy at a two-round discount than overpay.

13 – Tyler Stephenson, CIN (ADP – 144.9)

With so many catchers in 2023 playing well, Stephenson was a player who underperformed his draft value despite setting career highs in at-bats (465), runs (59), home runs (13), and RBIs (56). His bat didn’t fire in any month of the season while being a better player vs. lefties (.284 with four home runs and 18 RBIs over 127 at-bats).

Stephenson played much better last year, highlighted by setting a new top in runs (69), home runs (19), and RBIs (66). He finished with 57 fewer RBI chances (287) than in 2023 (344) while delivering a middle-of-the-order RBI rate (17). After posting waiver wire stats over the first three months (.240/29/6/24/1 over 204 at-bats), his bat came alive in July and August (.288 with 33 runs, 12 home runs, and 31 RBIs over 170 at-bats), pushing fantasy teams up the standings.

His average hit rate (1.720) was much higher than his previous three seasons (1.510, 1.509, and 1.558), hinting at 25+ home runs if given 500+ at-bats. Stephenson improved his fly-ball rate (33.5 – 28.7 in 2023 and 29.5 in his career) at the expense of line drives (19.0% - 22.9% in his career). His exit velocity (90.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (43.9) were the best of his career. He has an above-league-average walk rate (9.3) while doing a nice job lowering his strikeout rate (22.7 – 26.0 over the previous two seasons).

Fantasy Outlook: The change in the Reds starting lineup led to only nine games last season at DH, compared to 43 in 2023. In addition, Cincinnati didn’t give any playing time at first base – 32 games from 2021 to 2023) despite losing their expected starting first baseman earlier in the year. Think steady catcher production (60/15/60) at the draft table while understanding his bat can be much better in 2025. The key to more production is more at-bats, and the Reds hitting him fourth and fifth in the batting order. Stephenson offers no help in speed.

14 – Gabriel Moreno, ARZ (ADP – 195.3)

The Diamondbacks didn’t commit to Moreno in 2023, as he never had more than 75 at-bats in a month. His season started well in April (.301/5/1/14 over 73 at-bats). Despite missing three weeks in midsummer with a left shoulder issue, he hit .317 with 18 runs, five home runs, 24 RBIs, and three steals over his final 142 at-bats. His best success came against left-handed pitching (.352 with three home runs and 13 RBIs over 108 at-bats).

Moreno missed 65 games last season with thumb, illness, thumb, and groin issues, leading to two stints on the injured list. He hit .333 after the All-Star break over 75 at-bats with 11 runs, one home run, 14 RBIs, and two stolen bases. His best success came vs. left-handed pitching (.302/16/1/19/1 over 106 at-bats). Moreno had a favorable approach (strikeout rate – 14.8 and walk rate – 11.7). His swing path remains groundball-favoring (49.6% – 54.6% in 2023), but he did have a spike in his walk rate (32.0 – 22.0 in 2023). Moreno graded better in exit velocity (90.0 mph) than hard-hit rate (41.0).

Fantasy Outlook: With no pulse in his average hit rate (1.432), Moreno is miles away from a trusted 15-home run hitter. His best asset should be batting average with some help in steals for his position. If a .280/50/10/50/5 shoe fits your team build, his name should shine brightly while most drafters search for a more productive bat at catcher. He looks overpriced by 100 picks in early January.

15 – Keibert Ruiz, WAS (ADP – 199.9)

In 2023, Ruiz finished fourth in at-bats (523), 10th in runs (55), 14th in home runs (18), and ninth in RBIs (67) for catchers. He hit for a higher average (.289) vs. lefties, but only one ball landed in the seats over 149 at-bats. His bat had the most value over his final 265 at-bats (.287/32/9/37).

Ruiz landed on the injury list (illness) in mid-April last season, costing him 15 games. He finished the year with regression in all categories. Eight of his 13 home runs came in July and August (.237/22/8/26 over 169 at-bats).

His contact batting average (.259) has been below .300 over the past three seasons, which is an excellent example of my view of CTBA. Ruiz is challenging to strike out (11.1%), leading to a high volume of balls put into play. His batting average can never be higher than his contact batting average. A look back at his batting average in 2021 in the minors (.310) and majors (.273) suggests more upside in this area. Unfortunately, the direction of his swing limits his ceiling at this point in his career.

Ruiz tried to hit more fly balls (46.2% - 39.2 in 2023) in 2024, but only 6.9% left the park. He ranked poorly in exit velocity (85.4 mph) and hard-hit rate (25.4).

Fantasy Outlook: The window for Ruiz to earn the bulk of starting catching starts for the Nationals is getting closer to ending. He must hit the ball harder while maintaining a fly-ball swing path. At best, a 60/15/60 player with a neutral batting average and minimal speed. He is more of a gamble than a target, but Ruiz did hit 21 home runs over 284 at-bats at AAA in 2021.