Opening Day of Major League Baseball is less than two weeks away! When the lockout dragged on for months, there were many, inside and outside of the game, that thought the words play ball might never be said this year. Thankfully, that is not the case and fantasy baseball activities are in high gear. In previous editions, positions such as top fantasy starting pitchers, 2B/SS and outfielders were featured. This time around, we focus on fantasy baseball top catchers as determined by Belly Up’s own Vince, Dan and me. This subject was discussed in detail on Sunday night’s Belly Up Fantasy Live Baseball Show, available here. Let the debate begin!

Kevin’s Top Ten Fantasy Catchers

1. Salvador Perez, KC, Age: 31, 161 games, .273-48-121, 88 runs, 28 BBs, 170 Ks, .316 OBP, .860 OPS, 129 games played fewest in his career full season
2. Will Smith, LAD, Age: 27, 129 games, .260-25-76, 71 runs, 58 BB, 100 Ks, .367 OBP, .865 OPS
3. J.T. Realmuto, Phil, Age: 31, 134 games, .263-17-73, 64 runs, 48 BB, 129 Ks, .343 OBP, .782 OPS, fewest HRs full season since 2017, lowest OPS since 2016, also 1B
4. Willson Contreras, ChC, Age: 29, 128 games, .237-21-57, 61 runs, 52 BB, 138 Ks, .340 OBP, .778 OPS
5. Yasmani Grandal, ChWS, Age: 33, 93 games, .240-23-62, 60 runs, 87 BB, 82 Ks, .420 OBP, .940 OPS
6. Daulton Varsho, Ariz, Age: 25, 94 games, .246-11-38, 41 runs, 30 BB, 67 Ks, .318 OBP, .755 OPS
7. Keibert Ruiz, Wash, Age: 23, 29 games, .273-3-15, 6 BB, 9 Ks, .333 OBP, .742 OPS, hit .284 for Wash after trade from LAD, .300 hitter in minors last 2 seasons
8. Mitch Garver, Tex, Age: 31, 68 games, .256-13-34, 29 runs, 31 BB, 71 Ks, .358 OBP, .875 OPS, 31 HRs in 2019
9. Omar Narvaez, Mil, Age: 30, 123 games, .266-11-49, 54 runs, 41 BB, 84 Ks, .342 OBP, .744 OPS
10. Tyler Stephenson, Cin, Age: 25, 132 games, .286-10-45, 56 runs, 41 BB, 75 Ks, .366 OBP, .797 OPS

Vince’s Top Ten Fantasy Catchers

1. Realmuto
2. Perez
3. Contreras
4. Smith
5. Ruiz
6. Varsho
7. Garver
8. Stephenson
9. Grandal
10. Sean Murphy, Oak, Age: 27, 119 games, .216-17-59, 47 runs, 40 BB, 114 Ks, .306 OBP,

Dan’s Top Ten Fantasy Catchers

1. Perez
2. Grandal
3. Smith
4. Realmuto
5. Adley Rutschman, Balt, Age: 24, 123 minor league games, .283-23-75, 86 runs, 79 BB, 90 Ks, .397 OBP, .899 OPS
6. Contreras
7. Stephenson
8. Ruiz
9. Narvaez
10. Mike Zunino, T.B., Age: 31, 109 games, .216-33-62, 64 runs, 34 BB, 132 Ks, .301 OBP, .860 OPS

News and Notes-

Without question, all fantasy managers should be aware that catchers should not be a high priority on draft day, regardless of format. Even the best in the game will not be behind the plate more than 130 or so games a season. Probably less. Much like the tight end position in football, there just aren’t that many excellent catchers to go around. Further, the high draft pick that a manager will have to use on the best backstops will not match the value of the selection.

With the introduction of the DH throughout baseball, catchers should get more at bats, especially the better hitters like Perez, Smith and Realmuto. Even so, their fantasy value will not be as high as a good hitter at another position in most cases. Therefore, it is wise to wait until later in the draft and select a catcher that will be in the lineup more often than not. That statement is the highest recommendation that will be given on this fantasy baseball top catchers edition.

Equally clear, there is no chance that Perez repeats the kind of season he had a year ago. With that said, even if his homer and RBI totals get cut in half in 2022, he is still at the forefront of fantasy catchers. The fact that he plays so many games as the DH pumps up his value to the very top of the list. Even with that being the case, it will take a much higher draft pick than I would be willing to use gain his services.

Lastly, it is very bold of Dan to place Rutschman into the top five of his list. However, it is the consensus recommendation on this fantasy baseball top catchers edition that it would be wise to leave his name uncalled on draft day. Almost certainly, Rutschman will begin the season in the minors. Frankly, there is simply no reason to have a player on a roster at any position that isn’t even in the majors. Especially at the beginning of the season. However, it would be the smart move to monitor Rutschman closely. Once he is called up, make the move and add him to the roster if the current catcher isn’t working out.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy baseball top catchers edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Agree or disagree with any of the lists? Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports & Picks for the latest MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and all the sports news!