2024 PC Top 5 Catchers in the MLB

Sean Murphy *(Matthew Grimes Jr./Getty Images)*

We’ve covered the infield in our top 5 lists so far, and now we’ll cover perhaps the most important position, behind the plate. Not only do catchers have the responsibilities of blocking, framing, and throwing runners out, they also have to manage a pitching staff, and produce offensively themselves. This job can definitely be hard on your body, and for that reason it’s rare to see catchers stay behind the plate for over 100 games a year as they enter their mid thirties. Generally, it’s also hard to find backstops who can play the position well, manage the pitching staff, and produce as a hitter. We’re in a special generation of catchers right now in which we have two way veteran catchers like JT Realmuto and Sean Murphy, but we also have the next generation with guys like Adley Rutschman, Francisco Alvarez, and Gabriel Moreno making their impact on the game as well. Let’s break down our top five.

5) JT Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

It was a tough call to deliberate between William Contreras and JT Realmuto, and I’m going with JT despite his disappointing offensive results and -13 Framing (Baseball Savant). Though Realmuto finished with a .762 OPS, which is the lowest since his rookie year, his expected numbers indicate he had some bad luck in 2023 finishing 7th in the 2022 NL MVP race. Realmuto’s offensive numbers should bounce back some, and his defensive value could as well despite turning 33 in March. His worst defensive metric by far is his framing, but JT is excellent at throwing runners out with the best pop time in the majors (1.83 sec), and also has a reputation for blocking pitches. I’m confident in the 2X GG winner’s resume, and I think ZIPS projecting him for 3.2 fWAR for 2024 is about right. He’s not going to be a challenger for the best catcher in the league anymore, but he’s still a rare power/ speed combo at catcher, with Gold Glove defense when he’s on.

2023 J.T. Realmuto Performance *(Baseball Savant)*

4) Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

Cal Raleigh spoke out regarding the lack of initiative by his front office last year, pointing out that the Mariner’s fate came down to the last series of the year despite not acquiring big talent and trading away their closer at the deadline. It was fair criticism, and Cal is known as a grinder who is there for his teammates. He’s also a classic 30 HR power with excellent defense archetype, which is one of the best things you can be as an MLB catcher. Cal’s commitment to his team has resulted in him playing through major injuries, and I have concerns about his durability long term. In the next five years however, Raleigh can threaten as the best catcher in the league, whether he’s in Seattle or playing for a team willing to invest financially into their organization. He’s got 57 homers in the last two seasons, which is most by any catcher in baseball. He’s also been the top defensive catcher with 38.7 runs of value in the last few years (700 min. PA), ahead of GG catchers like Realmuto and Sean Murphy. In 2023, he finished 85th percentile in framing, and threw out 29% of base stealers. Cal has a chance to move up this list if he can improve his contact ability and reduce his swing and miss, but his 28.5% K rate does limit his ceiling in that context. Steamer projects Cal for 29 homers, and most of the projection systems have him hitting around .230 in 2024.

2022-2023 HR Leaders Among Catchers *(Fangraphs)*

3) Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

Will Smith has the highest fWAR ZIPS projections among NL catchers in 2024, with ZIPS projecting a 4.6 fWAR output. Will is a true two way catcher with more contact and on base ability than either Realmuto or Cal. Smith’s contact ability, power, and defense make him a top three catcher in the league right now. He’s also been both durable with 323 games caught over the last three seasons, as well as consistent, with a minimum 3.9 fWAR over the last three consecutive seasons. His 16.1% K rate was 86th percentile, while his 37.5% sweet spot was 84th percentile. The 20 HR power that Smith produces is a nice add, but the main value is drawn from the .350 OBP he brings to the table, as well as the high defensive value behind the plate (1.91 sec pop time). ZIPS projects Smith to drive in 78 runs as part of this loaded Dodgers offense, with a .355 projected OBP that tracks with his historical performance.

2020-2023 wOBA Leaders Among Catchers *(Fangraphs)*

2) Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves

Murphy has been a consensus top 3 catcher for the last three years or so now, and I have him there again for 2024. Sean ranked 96th percentile in barrel rate in 2024, while finishing 95th % in xSLG, and 96th % in xwOBA. He had a down year at the plate in 2023, due to some bad luck and nagging injuries. He finished with some great numbers defensively despite the injuries, particularly his 16 blocks above average figure, which was the best in baseball last year. ZIPS has Murphy’s offensive numbers projected a bit below Will Smith, but they’re also assuming he plays less games. If Sean does manage 600 PA again as he did in 2022, he has a good shot at a 5.0+ fWAR season. Among the top defensive catchers in the league including guys like Trevino, Heim, and Raleigh, Murphy has the best bat. Murphy will hit about .250 and hit 20-25 homers with elite defense. It’s a close call to measure him vs Smith, but the elite defensive numbers and standout offensive peripherals places Sean at #2 for me.

2023 Sean Murphy Performance *(Baseball Savant)*

1) Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

Though Adley has only been in the show for two years now, he’s also leading catchers in fWAR over those two years. There’s not a strong argument for anyone other than Adley entering 2024, especially if you think Adley might still be getting better. He has easily the best offensive profile of any catcher in the league with a .369 OBP and has struck out less than anyone else on this list. He does have the least amount of pop of these 5 catchers, but his elite defense and offensive approach more than compensate. His teammates rave about him, and Baltimore’s ascension in the American League tracks pretty well with Adley’s debut and MLB trajectory. He’s also still only 26 years old in a loaded lineup, so there’s a chance he has an MVP caliber season to cement himself as the best catcher in the league here in 2024. I don’t think any catcher in the league right now has a higher upside for 2024, unless you think Francisco Alvarez is going to hit 40 homers and win a gold glove this year.