Dynasty managers are continually on the lookout for the next big player. They aspire to discover the next Juan Soto or Ronald Acuña Jr.—the kind of prospect that can elevate a dynasty team. In our eagerness to focus on the potential of certain prospects, we sometimes overlook the risks associated with them. This upcoming series aims to provide dynasty managers with insights into what their prospects could achieve and how that potential translates into fantasy value. By exploring historical seasons, we have identified floor and ceiling comparisons for five of the most notable catching prospects and their potential futures.
Catcher Dynasty Comparisons
Samuel Basallo – BAL
Dynasty Floor Comparison: 2019 Robinson Chirinos
.238 AVG | .347 OBP | .443 SLG | 17 HR | 58 RBI | 1 SB | 28.6 K% | 11.7 BB%
Robinson Chirinos had a standout 2019 season, contributing to the 2019 American League Champion Houston Astros. His performance was rather surprising for a 35-year-old catcher, particularly his bWAR of 3.8. If Chirinos represents the floor for a catcher, it highlights significant talent in that position. Samuel Basallo, the Orioles’ top prospect, faces challenges with strikeouts, evident in his 25.4% rate over 118 plate appearances in 2025. Regardless, Basallo is projected to deliver considerable power, having achieved 27 home runs across both Norfolk and Baltimore in 2025.
Dynasty Ceiling Comparison: 2017 Gary Sánchez
.278 AVG | .345 OBP | .531 SLG | 33 HR | 90 RBI | 2 SB | 22.9 K% | 7.6 BB%
As of late 2017, Gary Sánchez appeared destined to be the top-hitting catcher in baseball for years. However, his potential seemed to fade amidst defensive issues. If Basallo can harness his power in his first full season, he might hit around 30-35 home runs and achieve a higher walk rate than Sánchez’s that year. Basallo’s potential aligns more closely with Sánchez’s 2017 performance, which offers an optimistic future outlook.
Carter Jensen – KCR
Dynasty Floor Comparison: 2024 Austin Wells
.229 AVG | .322 OBP | .395 SLG | 13 HR | 55 RBI | 1 SB | 21 K% | 11.4 BB%
Just four years older than the comparison player, Austin Wells surprised many in 2024 with solid rookie performance. While Jensen displays more power and better strike zone discipline in the minors, if pitchers exploit his weaknesses, his output in 2026 could be in line with Wells’s rookie season.
Dynasty Ceiling Comparison: 2023 William Contreras
.289 AVG | .367 OBP | .457 SLG | 17 HR | 78 RBI | 6 SB | 20.6 K% | 10.3 BB%
Contreras had an impressive season in 2023, paralleling Jensen’s minors performance in 2025. With a strong debut and balanced offensive skills, a season akin to Contreras’s 2023 would establish a solid rookie benchmark for Jensen, bolstering the Royals’ lineup for a 2026 playoff push.
Moisés Ballesteros – CHC
Dynasty Floor Comparison: 2021 Willson Contreras
.237 AVG | .340 OBP | .438 SLG | 21 HR | 57 RBI | 5 SB | 28.6 K% | 10.8 BB%
Moisés Ballesteros has excelled at maintaining a high batting average throughout his minor league career, contrasting with Contreras’s performance. Despite a better slash line and lower strikeout rate than Contreras in 2021, adjusting to major league pitching poses challenges that could bring Ballesteros’s performance to that level.
Dynasty Ceiling Comparison: 2025 Will Smith
.296 AVG | .404 OBP | .497 SLG | 17 HR | 61 RBI | 2 SB | 20.4 K% | 14.7 BB%
Will Smith had a notable second All-Star season in 2025, focusing more on contact than power. With Ballesteros still developing, he has the potential for a breakout rookie season similar to Smith’s past performance, particularly if he maintains his current hitting approach, which allows for strong walk rates.
