A notable shift is occurring among MLB catchers as younger players rise to prominence.
While seasoned players still hold their ground, a fresh wave of talented catchers is making the position increasingly thrilling. Notably, many of the top catchers in our rankings are under the age of 28, suggesting that their best seasons are yet to come.
In the ongoing series highlighting positional rankings, we present the leading ten catchers heading into the 2025 season.
2024 stats: .229/.322/.395, 13 HR, 105 wRC+, 3.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .229/.312/.401, 15 HR, 104 wRC+, 2.4 fWAR
Wells showcased impressive plate discipline and power last season while ranking among the best in pitch framing, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. He must steer clear of another end-of-season dip to improve his position, but his left-handed hitting potential at Yankee Stadium is intriguing enough to earn him a spot in the top 10.
2024 stats: .234/.298/.339, 8 HR, 81 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .235/.301/.366, 10 HR, 89 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
Despite being a below-average hitter over his two years in the majors, Bailey has established himself as an elite defensive catcher. If he can break the trend of second-half batting struggles that have affected him in the past, he could become one of the most sought-after catchers in the league.
2024 stats: .266/.353/.380, 5 HR, 107 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .285/.358/.409, 7 HR, 114 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
Moreno’s standout 2023 Gold Glove performance was hampered by injuries in the following season. His exceptional plate discipline combined with solid defensive skills could set the stage for a breakout year in 2025.
2024 stats: .266/.322/.429, 14 HR, 109 wRC+, 2.0 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .258/.321/.435, 15 HR, 109 wRC+, 2.9 fWAR
As he enters his mid-30s, Realmuto remains a competent bat, although not at his previous level. Injuries impacted his performance last year, and it remains to be seen if he can bounce back in 2025, with his speed metrics suggesting he still possesses significant capability.
2024 stats: .271/.330/.456, 27 HR, 115 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .262/.314/.452, 24 HR, 109 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
The veteran Perez continues to impress as he approaches his 35th season, having logged over 20 home runs in each of the last eight seasons. Last year marked his second-best home run total in his career, contributing significantly to his team’s postseason push.
2024 stats: .299/.325/.441, 16 HR, 117 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .279/.312/.447, 19 HR, 114 wRC+, 3.4 fWAR
Diaz’s 2024 performance was similar to 2023 in terms of overall value, although he improved his contact approach, resulting in a league-leading batting average among catchers. He managed to lower his strikeout rates but sacrificed some power in the process.
2024 stats: .248/.327/.433, 20 HR, 111 wRC+, 2.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .252/.341/.433, 20 HR, 117 wRC+, 4.2 fWAR
Despite ending the previous season with strong numbers, Smith faced a notable decline in performance during the latter half, potentially due to an ankle issue. His consistent hitting and ability to catch baserunners make him one of the top catchers in the league.
2024 stats: .250/.318/.391, 19 HR, 104 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .260/.344/.422, 17 HR, 121 wRC+, 5.0 fWAR
Rutschman had a promising first half but struggled down the stretch, raising questions about his consistency. It is crucial for him to regain his form in 2025, following a notable decline in several key performance metrics.
2024 stats: .220/.312/.436, 34 HR, 117 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .230/.310/.461, 28 HR, 123 wRC+, 5.3 fWAR
Raleigh’s skill set places him at the number two spot in these rankings, combining reliability in defense with impressive power. He won the Platinum Glove Award last season and has consistently led in home runs among catchers.
2024 stats: .281/.365/.466, 23 HR, 131 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection: .270/.353/.450, 20 HR, 124 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
Contreras, a two-time All-Star, had an outstanding previous season, marked by impressive statistics that underscored his offensive capability. He led all catchers in OPS since his debut, cementing his status as a leading player in the league.
Honorable Mentions: Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays; Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves; Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets; Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics; Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds, Logan O’Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels
Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He has previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Cowboys. A graduate of LSU, Rowan hails from California, grew up in Texas, and made his way back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on Twitter at @RowanKavner.
