MLB Catchers Who Are Making Waves

The baseball season has just begun,  but it is never too early to take a look at the top catchers. Here is a breakdown of the top five overall, the next five to keep an eye on, and five that are worth a spot on your roster.

Top Five MLB Catchers

1. William Contreras (Brewers): He climbed to No. 1 catcher last season when he hit 23 home runs and drove in 92 runs. He also stole nine bases, which is not bad for a catcher.
2. Adley Rutschman (Orioles): Former first-round pick developed into an All-Star last season with 19 home runs and 79 RBI. He already has three home runs this season.
3. Salvador Perez (Royals): The Royals have been getting him some rest by playing him at 1B, but he is still a valuable catcher. Last season, he had 27 home runs and drove in 104 runs.
4. Shea Langeliers (A’s): Possible the best player on a young team. He hit 29 home runs last season and drove in 80 runs. Now, he is playing in a Triple-A park.
5. Yanier Diaz (Astros): The 26-year-old had 16 home runs and 84 RBI and is expected to get even better in a solid Houston lineup.

Catchers on the Brink

1. Austin Wells (Yankees): Former first-round pick had 13 home runs and 55 RBI last season. Now, he is New York’s full-time starter.
2. Willson Contreras (Cardinals): The 34-year-old has been moved to 1B, but he is still widely listed as a catcher. Not being behind the plate may help revive his career, as he had just 15 home runs and 36 RBI last season.
3. Will Smith (Dodgers): The Former first-round pick had 20 home runs and 75 RBI last season. He plays for the Dodgers; that alone makes him valuable,
4. Cal Raleigh (Mariners): The 28-year-old broke out last year with 34 home runs and 100 RBI. He already has three home runs this season.
5. Logan O’Hoppe (Angels): He hit 20 home runs and drove in 56 runs last season. He has three home runs and nine RBIs already this season.

Who are these Guys?

1. Jose Herrera (Diamondbacks): He took over the starting job after coming up late last season. He only has one RBI so far but is expected to start soon.
2. Carson Kelly (Cubs): The 30-year-old is off to the best start of any catcher with 10 RBI and a .333 average.
3. Dillon Dingler (Tigers): The 27-year-old is finally getting his shot after only 84 at-bats last season. He has two home runs and eight RBIs so far.
4. Jonah Heim (Rangers): It looked like he was going to be a star at this time last season, but he slumped most of the season and now is in a platoon. However, he has three home runs and seven RBIs, so maybe he is bouncing back.
5. Joey Bart (Pirates): He had limited at-bats last season but still had 13 home runs and 45 RBI. He is the full-time starter for Pittsburgh now.

Conclusion

The sleeper catcher may be the sleeper of the year at any position. Hunter Goodman had 13 home runs and 36 RBI in limited at-bats for Colorado last season and was not expected to make the team. Now, he is batting cleanup. He is also eligible in OF.