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Fantasy baseball 2020 tiered catcher rankings

By Bill Pivetz

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

This tier is for the fantasy owners that don’t want to spend for the top three but still want a productive catcher.

Wilson Ramos, NYM

At the end of the season, Ramos was one of the best catchers in the league. He finished with 14 home runs, 73 RBIs and a .288 average.

If the Mets offense stays healthy this season (is there something in the New York waters?), they have a good chance to compete for the NL East title. Having Pete Alonso and Robinson Cano in the middle of the lineup will lead the offense. But, Michael Conforto and Ramos as the No. 6 and 7 hitters will help support the bottom of the order.

Ramos should finish with another 15 home runs, 65 RBIs and a .275 average.

Sal Perez, KC

Perez did not play a game in 2019 but at 30 years old, he should still put up solid numbers. He’s hit at least 21 home runs in each of the last four seasons. The negative is that his batting average dropped below .250 in two of the last three years.

The Royals offense didn’t change much this offseason. They added Maikel Franco but other than that, it’s the same core players. The top of the lineup is stacked. Perez is projected to hit sixth, a god spot to drive in runs.

Will Smith, LAD

Fantasy baseball owners were excited at what Smith did in such a short amount of time. In just 170 at-bats, he hit 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and .253. The Dodgers were one of the favorites to come out of the NL and the (work-in-progress) trade to acquire Mookie Betts puts them over the top.

With Cody Bellinger, A.J. Pollock and Corey Seager hitting in front of Smith, the young catcher has a better opportunity than most to perform like a top-five catcher. However, with that kind of upside, it’s up to you to determine if the ADP is worth it.

Mitch Garver, MIN

Garver was one of the dozens of hitters to hit 30 home runs. Whether it was the new baseballs or a change in his swing, he was able to finish with 31 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .273 average.

The Twins lineup was one of the best last season. The front office felt like it wasn’t enough as they added Josh Donaldson to the offense. Garver slots down to the sixth spot and with Donaldson and Eddie Rosario ahead of him, Garver will drive in another 65 runs. The home run total is going to be harder to project, though.

Willson Contreras, CHC

Contreras is one of the most consistent catchers. He hit .270 in three of the last four seasons and averages 18 home runs over the last three years. The Cubs, barring a Kris Bryant trade, still have a productive lineup and will put up runs.

The only negative to Contreras’ fantasy value is Victor Caratini on the bench. He recorded 200 plate appearances in 2018 and that jumped up to 279 last season. To keep everyone healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets another 250 PAs this season.

Contreras should have no problem reaching 20 homers, 60 RBIs, 50 runs and a .270 average again in 2020.

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