Justin Mason’s 2023 Catcher Ranks: 1/31/2023

Now that the football season is over, it’s time to get serious about preparing for the baseball draft!

To better prepare this year, we are doing full forecasts for all positions reflected in the ranks. My rank is available at FanGraphs here, and daily updates and full predictions are available at . Sleeper and Bust Patreon Once you have completed them.

Note
The rank is Francisco Alvarez and Shay Langeliers was included.

The Langeliers were behind Jansen and Alvarez would have been last in terms of playing time.

Thoughts on Tier 1

JT Realmuto stands alone in the catcher ranks for good reason. He was only the second catcher in his MLB history to hit 20/20 his season with a . 2 In his catcher league, he is a very easy 2nd round pick and can return 1st round value.

Thoughts on Tier2

I hate having a single player tier, but it’s clear that both Realmuto and Varsho deserve their own tiers. With both Kirk and Jansen on the roster with a move to Toronto, it seems very likely that Varsho’s catching days will end, but that’s a question for next season. You could be an at-bat monster every day at bat. There is unparalleled power and speed in the catching position. Although his batting averages are questionable, his counting stats at a position known for his poor batting averages could make him a league winner. , but if it doesn’t end with either, it may wait until the draft is finished.

Thoughts on Tier 3

Salvador Perez could definitely be in his own tier too. That being said, he’s one of the safer bets for him being one of the few monsters to appear at bat at that position, and the overall stats are as safe as possible when it comes to his line. am.

Will Smith is another at-bat monster in the catch position, having 500-plus plate appearances for the second straight season. I don’t know if we can really see another level like he originally thought, but he’s very safe and in a very good top half of the lineup.

I don’t like Wilson Contreras’ move to Park, but in the end, he should be arguably the best lineup in the National League, with a great stat line and plenty of plate appearances. I feel like the market is pretty laid on him.

I like Lutschman’s advantage, but I’m worried about the price in the market and having to pay for that advantage before I see it at the major league level. , the power is growing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes a big step this year, but I don’t want to pay the price just yet.

I love Kirk, but I’m worried that the addition of the belt will rob him of his extra at-bat opportunities at DH. That said, few catchers have his plate skills. I would happily bet on them. I hope Toronto continues to give him as many chances as possible.

Melendez is another plate-appearing monster with good power, but struggles to make enough contact to fully unlock it. It’s a good accumulator at that position, and at most you need to play as much as you can to leap to the top of your tier.

Thoughts on Tier4

Sean Murphy led all catchers in at-bats last season, but he’s not the only great player on the team the way Oakland was last year, so I doubt he’ll be able to do it again. That said, I think the Braves will find ways to get him in the lineup as much as possible and he should get a nice boost from the park and the lineup around him.

Tyler Stevenson hasn’t had the pedigree he’d hoped for, but his season has been torn apart by injuries. believe. A recent report said the Reds want him to play 140-150 games between catcher, first base and DH, which I think is pretty ambitious given his injury track record. increase.

William Contreras is in Milwaukee so he should have more opportunities to play, but unfortunately I don’t know if he has another level. You will be very attractive in that position.

Thoughts on Tier 5

I think Cal Raleigh is who he is at this point. I can’t help but love him for a player with a nickname like Big Dumper, but I prefer getting front-tier players or players that don’t kill my average.

Jansen is the man most likely to jump to higher tiers below this tier, but his plate look in tow for the belt is upside down questionable. I’d be surprised if Jays didn’t figure out how to maximize his chances.

Lewis had the best zone contact of any catcher in baseball in at least 300 plate appearances, but he’s not strong enough to be considered in one catcher’s league. He makes sense as his C2 on the high floor in deeper formats, but the benefits are limited.

Thoughts on Tier 6

Darneau is a really good player when he’s on the field, but between the addition of Murphy and his history of injuries, there are many concerns about whether he’ll be able to hit enough plate appearances.

Is the grandal washed? He sure looked like it, but if the wire has any bargain value, I’d be happy to bet him. , that’s the start.

Thoughts on Tier7

Vasquez is a guy who won’t hurt you, but he won’t help either. But that’s all I’m looking for in a C2 or AL only catcher.

Will this be the year Campusano finally plays? I think he will, but the defense will keep him from playing well in most formats. unlikely to.

I want Bart to be a Giants fan and see potential, but he struggles off-speed and on braking pitches and until he understands that, he won’t make much progress. right.

I like Endy Rodriguez as a catch prospect, but you never know when he’ll be up, and the Pirates have a history of not wanting to start a player’s clock for as long as possible.

Nick Fortes is very interesting if he gets playing time, but I think that will be a problem when you have a solid defensive Starlings around.

Ohoppe has a strong upside, but reports say the Angels are interested in Gary Sanchez and want to give Theis a backup job because he has no options. If he can get it, he could be a fun player to put on the roster this season.

Last year’s Besancourt was a fun story, but I’m not sure I’ll buy him to take over much of that in 2023.

rest thoughts

Gary Sanchez will be very interesting depending on where he ends up. He still has a lot of power and is making his best zone contact since 2018. First, he needs a job.

Jonah Haim was really good, but completely fell apart in the second half. If he regains his first-half form, he could be a big bargain.

Moreno is a top prospect, but I worry that splitting roles with Kelly will limit his advantage this year.

Jose Trevino was another fun story for 2023. He needs to play a fair amount and shouldn’t really hurt you being his C2 something on the low end.

We want Stassi to be strong again, but injuries have taken a toll on him, so it’s no surprise after considering Ohoppe and Tais as an option.