In fantasy baseball, the catcher position has traditionally been considered quite thin, but this year presents more depth and upside than usual. While elite options like Cal Raleigh and William Contreras tend to come off the board early, the middle-tier group within the fantasy baseball rankings offers solid production later — and sometimes serious breakout potential. The key is balancing floor (consistent counting stats) with upside (power, speed, and batting average). You can have both, in some cases, or you can have either/or at the position from others, which should tell you that you don’t need to reach for the top-tier unless that is truly your best option at that point of the draft. 

Here are three favorites I expect to have fairly significant shares of this season.

 

 

Drake Baldwin — High Floor with Rookie Star Power

Baldwin made a massive impact in his rookie season, slashing .274 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI while helping power the Braves’ lineup. His production was strong enough to earn National League Rookie of the Year honors — a rare feat for a catcher — putting him in elite company among backstops and confirming his bat is real at the MLB level. As evidenced by the 15.2-percent strikeout rate, the plate discipline is strong, and that keeps the on-base work at a level we like. And the 91.7 mph average exit velocity mixed with an 11-percent barrel-rate tells us the batting eye and power aren’t going away.

For 2026, Baldwin is expected to be the everyday catcher in Atlanta’s potent lineup. While Sean Murphy remains on the roster, the Braves will find ways to maximize Baldwin’s bat — whether behind the plate or as a DH — given his offensive upside. He’s a five-category contributor with a higher baseline than most catchers, particularly in RBI and power. 

With an ADP outside the top 100 overall, Baldwin is excellent value for a catcher who can deliver mid-round production and potentially top-10 catcher numbers if his counting stats tick up again. Target him as your first catcher in formats where you typically wait on the position. 

 

 

Agustin Ramirez — Power + Speed Combo with a Discounted Price

Ramirez had an intriguing rookie season with the Marlins, hitting 21 homers and swiping 16 bases in 2025, despite a low batting average (.231). That blend of power and speed from the catcher position is uncommon and especially valuable in fantasy formats that count stolen bases. Remember when we were seeing those kinds of numbers from J.T. Realmuto? Any time you can get some speed out of your catcher, it’s a win. 

His defensive skill behind the plate remains a concern, but the team certainly doesn’t want to move him off catching duties just yet. While that can sometimes be a red flag – the potential of losing playing time – Ramirez is expected to be in the mix for DH duties alongside Griffin Conine. The desire to keep Ramirez’ bat in the lineup should keep his at-bats at the higher side of most backstops in the league. 

With an ADP very close to Baldwin’s but different skill set (power + steals, less consistent average), Ramirez is a compelling mid-round catcher target. He profiles as a three-category contributor, something rare at the position, and could outproduce similarly priced catchers if he continues adding base-stealing to the mix. One final caveat – keep an eye on his performance this spring. Don’t just look at raw stats. Watch his plate appearances whenever you can. A cursory glance at his splits from last year shows pitchers were making the necessary adjustments against him. He is going to need to show his own ability to counter their adjustments and produce at a high level, something I firmly believe he can do.

 

 

Carter Jensen — Deep Sleeper with Upside

If you listened to our AL Central Front Office Insights, then you already know that Jensen is very much on our radar for this season -- the GM Jim Bowden loves this kid’s hit-tool. Jensen debuted for the Royals in September 2025 and showed promise in limited at-bats, hitting .300 with 3 homers and 13 RBI in a small sample. Importantly, Jensen’s minor league track record — power, discipline, and strong on-base ability — suggests his bat could play in the big leagues once given a bigger role. 

Many fantasy analysts view him as a deep sleeper, especially considering Salvador Perez’s age and potential DH shift creating more playing time for Jensen behind the plate. Some prospect evaluations even project him as a legitimate breakout candidate due to his combination of youth and offensive skills. We can also toss in the changes in the dimensions of Kaufman Stadium which were tailored to feature the strengths of the Royals’ current lineup. 

Jensen’s late-round ADP makes him a low-risk, high-reward pick. If he secures regular at-bats and continues to showcase his power, he could easily outperform his draft position and become a league-winner for savvy drafters. He’s an ideal stash in deeper leagues and a strong candidate for a breakout pick late in drafts or on the waiver wire. 

 

 

Closing Thoughts

Catchers can make or break fantasy seasons when they deliver above-average production. In 2026, Baldwin’s proven bat, Ramirez’s unique skill set, and Jensen’s sleeper potential make them three of the most compelling names to watch. If you want stable production from catcher, Baldwin is your safest mid-round play. If you like multi-category contributions, Ramirez’s power and steals make him worth grabbing around the same time as Baldwin. If you prefer upside swings, Jensen at the back of drafts is a no-risk flier with real breakout potential. Whether you draft for floor, upside, or value, balance your picks and don’t be afraid to exploit catcher depth — the payoff can be huge.

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