Top 10 Catchers in Major League Baseball in 2025

This season was a transformative one for catching talent in MLB.

Many had anticipated somewhat of a changing of the guard for this season. The 2024 season had already given us a glimpse of the new wave of young catchers poised to become impact players.

Prior to the 2025 season, we emphasized this trend and noted a coinciding jump in athleticism behind the dish. However, few could have anticipated just how quickly this new class of catchers would take off.

Who Fell Off the Top 10 From Our Pre-Season Rankings?

If you look back at our pre-season ranking of the top 10 catchers in baseball, half of the players ranked failed to make our end-of-season list.

Here are the players we thought would be top 10 catchers in baseball in 2025, who failed to meet expectations this year.

• No. 3: Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
• No. 7: Yainer Diaz, Houston Astros
• No. 8: Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
• No. 9: Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks
• No. 10: Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets

Rutschman had an unfortunate year. Hampered by injury for much of the season, Rutschman hit just .220/.307/.366 in his limited playing time. His 91 wRC+ marked yet another year of steady decline for Rutschman, who had already dropped from a 126 wRC+ to a 103 wRC+ the year prior.

Once hailed as a top catcher for years to come, Rutschman will have his work cut out for him this offseason.

Diaz has been on a similar trajectory since his breakout 2023 campaign. While Diaz did hit 20 home runs, he struggled to reliably get on-base, hitting .256/.284/.417 on the year. His 92 wRC+ marked a sharper fall-off than Rutschman’s, as Diaz had hit for a 116 wRC+ the year prior.

Perez had a more nuanced 2025 season. He still clubbed 30 homers and played a full season, but experienced some regression to the mean on offense and defense.

Perez hit .236/.284/.446 on the year, good for a 95 wRC+. This was a far cry from his 117 wRC+ the year prior, but more in line with his 87 wRC+ from 2023.

Of the players who missed out on the top 10, Moreno had the most positive season. He hit .285/.353/.433 on the year, good for a career-best 117 wRC+.

Playing time was his biggest drawback, as he participated in just 83 games. He still put up 2.7 fWAR and maintained his above-average defense, but his injury-shortened performance placed him outside the top 10.

This trend played out similarly for Alvarez as well. He hit .256/.339/.447 on the year, good for a 124 wRC+ and a marked improvement from the two years prior. Alvarez got better as the year went on, struggling in the first half but putting up a 157 wRC+ in the second half.

Unfortunately, he missed sizable chunks of the year and appeared in just 76 games this year.

Honorable Mention: Carson Kelly, Chicago Cubs

Overall, Kelly had a great year. He posted a career-best .249 batting average and .761 OPS at the plate while playing solid defense behind it. Kelly’s 115 wRC+ ranked 8th in MLB among catchers with at least 400 plate appearances this season.

However, the context for this figure matters. While most players will have up and down months, Kelly’s season-wide performance was dictated by extremes. Through April, Kelly worked to a staggering 257 wRC+, launching 7 homers while walking over 22% of the time.

However, subsequent months did not go as well for Kelly. While he had a similar performance in July, hitting to a 160 wRC+, he was well below average at the plate in all other months of the season.

This culminated in Kelly earning a 151 wRC+ in the first half, but just a 69 wRC+ in the second half. While the highs were certainly notable, the lows were enough to place him just outside the top 10.

**NOTE: These positional rankings are created by ordering the average score from each of our four voters. 15 different players received votes, so some will have ranks higher than 10, depending on the voter.**

The Top 10 Catchers in MLB in 2025

10. Austin Wells, New York Yankees (Preseason: 6)

2025 Stats: 126 G, .219/.275/.436, 21 HR, 71 RBI, 94 wRC+, 11 FRV, 3.0 fWAR

After a breakout season in 2024, Wells continued to serve as one of MLB’s premier catchers this season. Wells took a bit of a step back on offense this year, hitting .219/.275/.436 to go along with a 94 wRC+ on the season. However, 2025 also marked the first season where Wells hit 20+ home runs.

Wells also remains one of the top defensive catchers in the league, generating a 94th percentile fielding run value (11). He also caught the 6th most innings across MLB, despite struggling with injury concerns at points throughout the year. His performance overall on the season netted him 3.0 fWAR, the tenth-best figure among MLB catchers this season.

Despite Wells not putting up as much of an offensive showing, his defense alone made him a vital component of the 2025 Yankees. On a team already loaded with sluggers, Wells had much less pressure on his bat than on his glove. To put up a 96th percentile framing value while dealing with an arterial issue in his catching hand is remarkable, and surely helped his pitching staff greatly.

While Wells may have taken a step back in the rankings from 6th to 10th, there was still plenty to be excited about from his 2025 season. He’ll have some work to do in the offseason, but having him maintain his defensive acumen while showing some increased power production is still a great sign.

9. Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants (Preseason: 5)

2025 Stats: 135 G, .222/.277/.325, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 70 wRC+, 30 FRV, 3.2 fWAR

Bailey further solidified himself as the best defensive catcher in MLB this season. He racked up 3.2 fWAR on the year, and Bailey’s fielding run value of 30 led MLB by a wide margin.

His 100th percentile fielding run value was indicative of a remarkably complete set of defensive skills. Bailey ranked in the 97th percentile or above in framing, pop time, and caught stealing above average. He also graded out in the 80th percentile for blocks above average.

That said, Bailey’s bat graded out among the league’s worst, generating a 1st percentile batting run value (-19). This year was rough year for Bailey at the plate, as he hit just .222/.277/.325 while striking out nearly 30% of the time. He wasn’t the best offensively last year, but these results are striking nonetheless.

However, if anything this should accentuate Bailey’s overall value. To put up 3.2 fWAR while posting offensive numbers like these over a full season is nearly unheard of, which speaks to the value of his catching defense. The Giants do not rely on Bailey for his bat, and are surely more than happy to count on getting Gold Glove defense behind the plate day-in and day-out.

8. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers (Preseason: 1)

2025 Stats: 150 G, .260/.355/.399, 17 HR, 76 RBI, 113 wRC+, 3 FRV, 3.6 fWAR

This year marked a bit of a step back for Contreras. Contreras set the league ablaze in 2023 and 2024 when he put up 5.8 fWAR and 5.5 fWAR seasons, respectively. This year, he accumulated 3.6 fWAR with a 113 wRC+, the weakest results during his tenure in Milwaukee.

However, these results are only weak within the context of Contreras’ previous performances. Coming into 2025, Contreras was widely considered the best catcher in MLB. Contreras was coming off of two straight years where he put up a 126 wRC+ or higher while grading out above average on defense.

While Contreras might have slowed down a bit on offense this year, he still hit .260/.355/.399 while hitting 17 home runs. He also continued a trend of increasing his walk rate (12.7%) while dropping his strikeout rate (18.2%). These marks still place Contreras firmly above average with a 78th percentile batting run value (17) on the year.

Contreras may not have been as valuable as he has been in years prior, but this is far from disqualifying. As a top catcher in the league, and an integral piece of a potent Brewer’s lineup, Contreras has more than earned his spot on this list.

7. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves (Preseason: Unranked)

2025 Stats: 124 G, .274/.341/.469, 19 HR, 80 RBI, 125 wRC+, 0 FRV, 3.1 fWAR

Baldwin was somewhat of a surprising addition to this list. Prior to 2025, Baldwin had spent the previous three years establishing himself as one of the top catching prospects in the league. By the end of 2024, Baldwin had more than earned a shot at the Braves’ major league roster.

Across 334 Triple-A plate appearances in 2024, Baldwin hit .298/.407/.484 while walking nearly as much as he struck out. Upon moving up to MLB in 2025, Baldwin showed that these numbers were far from a fluke. After a somewhat slow start, Baldwin put together a monster month in May, hitting .389/.411/.593 while striking out less than 10% of the time.

Baldwin continued his torrid performance throughout the year, hitting .274/.341/.469 with a 125 wRC+ overall. He was remarkably consistent at the plate, never dipping below a 109 wRC+ in any calendar month. Baldwin also defied platoon splits, hitting for a 129 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers and 124 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

While Baldwin’s 43rd percentile fielding run value may not stand out, he still has plenty of time for improvement and ranked in the 92nd percentile for blocks above average. Paired with his offensive output, the Braves are likely thrilled with Baldwin’s performance overall. Still just 24 years old, Baldwin’s breakout season placed him firmly among the league’s best this year.

6. Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers (Preseason: Unranked)

2025 Stats: 126 G, .278/.327/.425, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 109 wRC+, 12 FRV, 4.1 fWAR

Dingler is another example of a talented rookie who burst onto the scene in 2025. After a poor showing during Dingler’s initial call-up stint in 2024, he put together a strong performance on both offense and defense.

Over 126 games, Dingler hit .278/.327/.425 with the Tigers this year, recording a 109 wRC+ overall. He mashed against lefties in particular, as he hit .330/.380/.580 with a gaudy 164 against them. Dingler also excelled in road games, hitting to a .318/.380/.483 away from Comerica Park.

As for his defense, Dingler ranked in the 95th percentile for fielding run value (12). He also ranked in the 85th percentile or above in framing (91st), blocks above average (95th), and caught stealing above average (85th).

Dingler’s consistency throughout this season cannot be understated. He has quickly established himself as one of the top young catchers in the league, and will have ample opportunity to improve over the next few years with Detroit.

5. Hunter Goodman, Colorado Rockies (Preseason: Unranked)

2025 Stats: 144 G, .278/.323/.520, 31 HR, 91 RBI, 118 wRC+, 2 FRV, 3.4 fWAR

Goodman’s emergence was one of the lone bright spots of the Rockies’ season. It was especially significant because Goodman had previously struggled immensely during his first two MLB opportunities. He had managed a 50 wRC+ over 23 games in 2023, and a 61 wRC+ over 70 games in 2024.

These two short stints left Goodman with -1.5 fWAR through his first 93 games. However, Goodman erased that deficit and more in 2025.

Goodman hit .278/.323/.520 this season, hitting 31 home runs with 91 RBI’s and notching a 118 wRC+. Most notably, his 3.4 fWAR marked a dramatic advancement in both offensive and defensive production. Goodman’s batting run value ranked in the 92nd percentile, and his fielding run value ranked in the 64th percentile.

While Goodman’s defense was not as strong as some of his counterparts, his offensive value was unmistakable. Additionally, more of the drawbacks of Goodman’s defense rest in his ability to throw out runners. This is something that Goodman can work to improve on in the coming years.

That said, Goodman’s production this season was more than enough to warrant a spot in the top 10 catchers. Between cracking 30+ homers and collecting 150 hits in 579 plate appearances, Goodman established himself as an offensive force with room to grow behind the plate.

4. Shea Langeliers, Athletics (Preseason: Unranked)

2025 Stats: 123 G, .277/.325/.536, 31 HR, 72 RBI, 132 wRC+, -2 FRV, 3.9 fWAR

Langeliers is one of several young players to break out with the Athletics in recent years. First called up in 2022 for a 40-game stint, Langeliers has spent the past few years steadily getting better. With each full season that has passed, Langeliers has looked more and more like a top catcher.

This became especially true in 2025 when Langeliers hit .277/.325/.536 for a 132 wRC+, crushing his prior career-highs in each category. Langeliers’ 3.9 fWAR ranked 5th among all MLB catchers this year. He also clubbed 31 home runs in just 123 games, 2nd most amongst catchers this year, while improving a bit on defense.

Langeliers still has some work to do when it comes to blocking and framing, but posted a 91st percentile pop time (1.89 seconds). Another unique feature for Langeliers is his sprint speed, grading out in the 81st percentile. No other catcher on this list even broke into the 54th percentile.

The second half was particularly momentous for Langeliers. After a bit of a slow start, he posted a 176 wRC+ throughout the second half, and did not post a single month with a wRC+ below 155 after June. Langeliers also crushed lefties throughout the year, hitting .367/.374/.667 against them, good for a 184 wRC+.

Overall, Langeliers has been a breath of fresh air for Athletics’ fans this season. After a tumultuous couple of years, his emergence and that of the other budding stars in his clubhouse represent a turning of the page. Langeliers easily ranks in the upper echelon of catchers for this season, and looks like he may continue to do so in the years to come.

3. Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays (Preseason: Unranked)

2025 Stats: 130 G, .282/.348/.421, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 116 wRC+, 22 FRV, 4.7 fWAR

Simply put, Kirk had a terrific year for the Blue Jays. While Kirk has steadily developed into one of the best defensive catchers in the league since his initial debut in 2020, his offense slowed down in recent years. Kirk had managed a 129 wRC+ in his first full season in 2022, but fell into the mid-90’s over the next two years.

While Kirk did not reach the same heights as he did in 2022, he hit .282/.348/.421 this year, good for a 116 wRC+. Though one could argue this was still a more significant result, as he topped his career-high 4.3 fWAR this year. Kirk’s 4.7 fWAR in 2025 was the second most among catchers this year.

Kirk has not possessed the same power ceiling as some of his contemporaries, but has still gotten the job done on offense. He graded out as well above average in a number of key stats, including xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and strikeout rate. Simultaneously, he was the best blocking catcher in the league this year with a 98th percentile framing value.

Despite not being the best offensive catcher in the league, Kirk underperformed his expected metrics on offense and still put up a strong offensive performance. He also did so while establishing himself as the second-best defensive catcher in MLB this year.

Kirk demonstrated an impressive ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball this year while helping lead the Blue Jays to their first AL East title in a decade. Still just 26 years old, Kirk has a bright future ahead of him as one of the best all-around catchers in baseball.

2. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers (Preseason: 4)

2025 Stats: 110 G, .296/.404/.497, 17 HR, 61 RBI, 153 wRC+, -8 FRV, 4.1 fWAR

Smith’s season was one of both tragedy and triumph. He has long been regarded as one of the better catchers in baseball, particularly on offense.

However, Smith has tended to break down towards the end of each season over the past few years and has dealt with several injuries.

In spite of this, Smith has managed a 128 wRC+ for his career, with this season serving as his best yet. Smith hit .296/.404/.497 this year, setting career-highs in each stat over a full season and recording a 153 wRC+.

For a Dodgers offense that slowed to a near standstill at points in this season, Smith’s bat was a major bright spot during tough stretches.

Smith has grown tremendously as a defensive catcher over the years. In particular, Smith has become one of the best catchers at catching base stealers in recent years, grading in the 87th percentile this season.

While Smith continues to struggle with framing and blocking, his ability to hold runners on has proved invaluable at times.

Unfortunately for Smith, his season was cut short by injury. After suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand in early September, Smith was sidelined for the remainder of the season. He has since returned this postseason, but the injury prevented him from putting the finishing touches on his career year.

Now 30 years old, the Dodgers signed Smith to a 10-year contract this offseason. Smith will likely continue to be a pivotal piece of the Dodgers’ lineup over the next decade, and this season exemplifies why.

If Smith’s 2025 performance is any indication of what the future holds, the Dodgers catcher could very well find himself at the very top of this list in the years to come.

1. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (Preseason: 2)

2025 Stats: 159 G, .247/.359/.589, 60 HR, 125 RBI, 161 wRC+, 7 FRV, 9.1 fWAR

What more can be said about Raleigh’s historic 2025 season?

There was no question as to who the best catcher in MLB was this year. Of every player on this list, Raleigh’s 9.1 fWAR was worth nearly double the next highest total (4.7). Raleigh hit .247/.359/.589 on the year, good for a 161 wRC+, while continuing to showcase his Platinum Glove defense.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Raleigh’s season was his impressive power output. While he was unable to break the AL home run record set by Aaron Judge in 2022, he broke quite a few others in his MVP-caliber campaign.

For one, Raleigh broke the single-season record for most home runs by a catcher set by Salvador Perez in 2021 with 48. Then, Raleigh broke Mickey Mantle‘s record for most home runs by a switch-hitter set all the way back in 1956 with 52. With 60 total home runs, Raleigh did not simply break these records. He shattered them.

Raleigh ranked in the 94th percentile or above in xwOBA (94th), xSLG (96th), barrel percentage (99th), and walk rate (13.8%). At the same time, Raleigh’s fielding run value graded out in the 87th percentile, registering a 93rd percentile framing value.

The new power ceiling that Raleigh established for catchers will certainly be the primary point of discussion for his season.

However, it must not be understated that Raleigh’s dominance extended far beyond his home run total. Raleigh’s season lies as not only the best catching performance from this year, but one of the best in baseball’s illustrious history.