Betnow's Top 10 Catchers: 2025 Rankings

Spring training is officially underway, signaling the start of the baseball season and igniting the annual debate among fans, analysts, and players alike regarding who the top players in the sport are. The catcher position, in particular, is often a hot topic of discussion due to its unique and demanding nature, requiring a blend of exceptional offensive prowess and defensive acumen. As we gear up for the 2025 season, it is essential to delve deeper into the top 10 catchers currently making waves in the league, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall contributions to their respective teams.

Leading the list is none other than William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers. Contreras has made a name for himself as a powerful hitter, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive in runs and change the course of a game with his bat. Last season, he faced skepticism regarding his defensive skills, but he rose to the occasion, showcasing his ability to manage pitchers effectively and handle the demands of the position. His defensive improvements were pivotal in solidifying the Brewers' lineup and contributed significantly to their overall success. With a strong offensive output and a newfound defensive reliability, Contreras has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Brewers’ roster as they look to contend in the upcoming season.

In the second spot, we find Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. Rutschman is a player whose talent is widely recognized, despite facing challenges during the latter half of last season that raised some questions about his performance. His combination of hitting ability, defensive skills, and leadership qualities makes him an invaluable asset to the Orioles. Many analysts are optimistic about his potential for a comeback, and if he can regain his previous form, he will undoubtedly be a formidable presence behind the plate and in the batting order, contributing significantly to the Orioles' aspirations for success in the coming year.

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners secures the third position on this esteemed list. Raleigh's impressive stats last season, particularly in terms of power hitting, coupled with his solid defensive capabilities, have firmly placed him among the elite catchers in the league. His ability to handle a pitching staff and contribute offensively makes him a dual threat, and as the Mariners look to build on their progress from previous seasons, Raleigh's role will be crucial in their quest for postseason contention.

Fourth on the list is Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smith’s offensive performance has been consistent and reliable, making him a key figure in the Dodgers' lineup. However, there are ongoing discussions about his pitch framing skills, which some believe could use improvement. Nevertheless, his overall contributions to the team, particularly in high-pressure situations, cannot be overlooked. As the Dodgers aim for another championship run, Smith's ability to deliver at the plate will be essential to their success.

Completing the top five is Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros. Diaz has emerged as a potent hitter, capable of making a significant impact in any lineup he is part of. His offensive capabilities are complemented by a growing understanding of the game, and as he continues to develop, he is expected to become an even more influential player for the Astros as they strive to maintain their status as perennial contenders.

The latter half of the list begins with the seasoned veteran Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals. Perez has long been recognized for his offensive prowess, and while the team has carefully managed his defensive workload to prolong his career, his offensive contributions remain indispensable. As a leader in the clubhouse, his experience and ability to mentor younger players will be invaluable for the Royals as they look to rebuild and compete in the coming seasons.

J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies holds the seventh position. As he approaches his mid-30s, Realmuto’s wealth of experience and game management skills are invaluable assets for the Phillies. While some observers have noted a slight decline in his pitch framing abilities, his overall impact on the game remains significant. Realmuto's ability to call games and work with pitchers has been a key factor in the Phillies' success, and his leadership will be essential as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Austin Wells of the New York Yankees takes the eighth position. In his first full season, Wells showcased impressive skills both at bat and behind the plate, gaining valuable experience that will serve him well in the future. His potential is evident, and as he continues to develop, he could become a cornerstone of the Yankees' franchise, contributing to their storied legacy in Major League Baseball.

Ninth on the list is Patrick Bailey of the San Francisco Giants. A recipient of the Gold Glove award, Bailey has proven to be an exceptional defensive catcher, excelling in managing pitchers and thwarting base runners. The Giants are hopeful that Bailey's offensive skills will catch up to his defensive talents, allowing him to become a well-rounded player capable of making significant contributions on both sides of the ball.

Finally, rounding out the top 10 is Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries that affected his progress last season, Moreno's potential is undeniable. When healthy, he has shown flashes of brilliance both offensively and defensively. A healthy and productive season could see him rise significantly in these rankings, as he aims to establish himself as a key player for the Diamondbacks moving forward.

This list highlights the diverse array of skills and talents that catchers bring to the game, ranging from seasoned veterans who have stood the test of time to emerging talents who are beginning to make their mark in the league. As the 2025 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to observe how these rankings evolve and which catchers will emerge as the true leaders of their teams, shaping the narrative of the season as they navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

Top 10 Catcher Rankings:

1. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers

2. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

3. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

4. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

5. Yainer Diaz, Houston Astros

6. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

7. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

8. Austin Wells, New York Yankees

9. Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants

10. Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks