2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings (NL)

Realmuto's .277 batting average with 21 homers and 74 RBIs doesn't seem all that impressive, but the fact of the matter is that he blew the rest of the catcher scene away with those numbers. Realmuto is as safe as it comes at the position and should produce far above the lousy replacement level once again. This is especially true now that he has been traded to a great hitter's ballpark in Philly. Don't hesitate to reach for him so you don't get stuck with an awful catcher

Grandal's batting average may not seem all that appealing in the .240s range, but that is actually at replacement-level for the position so he won't hurt you there. He will definitely help in HRs, RBIs and runs, though. Over the last three seasons, he trails only (the injured) Salvador Perez in homers, and that was before he moved from an awful park for hitters in L.A. to a hitter's have in Milwaukee.

Contreras was a major disappointment for fantasy owners in 2018 after starting off his career with 33 HRs, 109 RBIs and a .278 batting average through 629 at-bats in his first two years. He is still young, however, and expected to improve from last season.

Ramos missed most of 2017 and struggled while he was healthy, but that seems to be the outlier, as he was tremendous in both 2016 and 2018, batting over .300 both seasons with plenty of power. Ramos is one of the safest fantasy catchers and may have as much upside as anyone besides Sanchez and Realmuto.

Although Posey isn't likely a .300 hitter anymore, his .280s batting average is the equivilant of a .310 hitter when compared to the replacement-level at his position. Add in a dozen homers, if he can stay healthy this year, and you've got yourself a boring, yet extremely useful top 8 fantasy catcher.

Catcher's don't often get 450 trips to the plate, but Tadi has done it every year since 2008. As you can imagine, the runs and RBIs pile up with extra playing time, and it certainly helps that he increases your team's batting average and may add another 20 homers this season.

Among all catchers with 200 plate appearances, Cervelli corralled the second-highest wOBA (.355) behind Wilson Ramos. His modest 12 homers comfortably cleared his previous high of seven, but concussions limited him to 404 plate appearances. He's unlikely to turn into a big bopper during his age-33 season, but Cervelli is a fine placeholder while healthy.

Barnhart doesn't have the best bat, but his elite defense will keep him on the field for nearly 500 at-bats again. In a killer Red's lineup, that should be plenty to get him the counting stats he needs to be draftable.

Catcher is so bad that prospect pedigree has kept Mejia in top-10 consideration despite batting .176 (12-for-69) in the majors. Even his Triple-A production dipped (.279/.328/.426) after getting traded from Cleveland to San Diego, where Austin Hedges is still clamoring for reps behind the plate. Contact and power upside still makes the 23-year-old Mejia a viable dart throw for anyone who missed out on the big names. Those in one-catcher leagues, however, should move on quickly if he's not playing much in April.

Alfaro is dealing with a knee issue that may keep him out at the start of the season, but he has so little competition in Miami that fantasy owners may still get 350 to 400 at-bats and the counting stats that go with it. Don't be surprised if he hits near his career .270 average once again either.

Gomes was one of only two catchers last year to bat .266 with 50+ runs scored. That may not feel like much, but the catching position is rough. He'll add 15 homers too, making him a top 10 fantasy catching option this year.

Suzuki has been useful the last two seasons with a .276 batting average, 31 HRs and 100 RBIs in 623 at-bats, but his playing time is expected to take a hit as he likely backs up Yan Gomes in Washington. Even so, he is better than punting the position altogether.

 

Hedges is no help in the batting average department, but he has enough power (32 homers in his last 700 at-bats) that he warrants a late-round pick if you still need a catcher. If he gets traded mid-season to clear up room for Mejia, Hedges could see a bump in his offensive production away from San Diego's ballpark.

 

There is reason to be excited about Tom Murphy, but as for now, Iannetta is the starter in Coors Field so don't hesitate to add him in two catcher leagues despite his lackluster batting averages.

If you are desperate at catcher, Brian McCann may be better than punting the position altogether. He does still have serviceable power, but he won't play often as the backup in Atlanta and his batting average will likely drag your team back.