The Backstop Barometer: 2025 Catcher Power Rankings

A Golden Age for Catchers?

The 2024 season witnessed a resurgence of the catcher position. They commanded a significant 13.2% of all position player WAR, the highest in a decade. Their collective 91 wRC+ also marked a high point since 2014. This upswing likely stems from starting-caliber catchers seeing more playing time. Thankfully, the trend of reducing catcher playing time seems to be reversing.

Defining the "Starting Catcher"

Defining a “starting-caliber catcher” is tricky. The position boasts diverse skill sets. Some are offensive powerhouses, others defensive stalwarts, while some embody a balanced approach. This year’s crop includes a mix of booming bats, keen eyes, rocket arms, and impressive gloves – a little something for everyone.

Sadly, blazing speed on the basepaths isn't part of the package.

Familiar Faces and Rising Stars

Many of these backstops are established names. Some made their mark years ago, while others have risen to prominence more recently. Still others are budding talents, entering their second or third big league seasons with enormous potential. And the future looks bright: a wave of promising catching prospects waits in the wings, with several poised for their MLB debuts in 2025.

Projecting the Unpredictable

Remember: projections are just that – projections. This is especially true for catchers, whose value is heavily influenced by defensive metrics and playing time. Defensive stats are notoriously volatile, making them a challenge to project. Predicting playing time is another layer of complexity.

So, watch the Depth Charts closely as Opening Day approaches! Playing time battles, injuries, and even unsigned free agents can shake up the landscape.

The Big Dumper Leads the Way

Seattle’s Cal Raleigh comes in at number one. Since 2000, he ranks second among primary catchers in home runs per plate appearance and third in adjusted ISO – all while playing in the pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. He shattered the Mariners' single-season home run record for catchers (again!) in 2024 with 34 dingers. The Big Dumper is truly a big thumper.

Raleigh’s defensive prowess matches his offensive firepower. His framing is top-tier, he's a thief of bases, and his durability is second to none.

Defensive Dynamo: Patrick Bailey

San Francisco’s Patrick Bailey has WAR projections that put him in the company of nine-figure superstars. Even more astonishing, he's projected to achieve a five-win season despite a projected 91 wRC+. This defensive wizardry is nearly unprecedented.

Bailey has been the most valuable defensive player in the majors in his first two seasons, thanks largely to his framing skills. Even with a subpar career wRC+, he's averaged an astounding 5.2 WAR per 162 games. Projections suggest offensive improvement in 2025, putting him within reach of 5 WAR again.

Adley Rutschman: Bouncing Back

Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman, a two-time five-win player, experienced a second-half slump in 2024. A combination of a hand injury, mediocre framing, and struggles hitting while catching saw his production plummet.

But our Depth Charts predict a resurgence. His projected .347 OBP and 123 wRC+ lead AL catchers, and his defensive projections are back above average. Still, his performance behind the plate and ability to hit while catching will be key areas to watch.