The catcher position has long been seen as the pinky toe of a fantasy baseball lineup—often overlooked, not flashy, but still essential to completing the structure. But hold on, because that perception may be on the verge of a major shift! A new wave of young, powerful hitters is primed to break into the Majors, and they could bring some serious firepower to the position. The big question, though, is whether these rising stars will actually stick behind the plate. While the Major League landscape has remained relatively unchanged, with stars like Adley Rutschman and Francisco Alvarez still working to make the leap we expected, we’re still leaning on the reliable veterans like Sal Perez and JT Realmuto for steady production. But the tides are turning, and the future of the catcher position is looking a lot more exciting.
Let's rewind and remember how Contreras ended up in Milwaukee. It was a three-way trade where the Brewers sent Esteury Ruiz in exchange for him, and he also came with five years of control. What a deal for the Brewers! Contreras takes the top spot because of his exceptional power. He posted a career-best 118.1 mph max exit velocity in 2024, with a significant rise in his average exit velocity from 2023. He’s also become more patient at the plate, walking 11.5% of the time. The only thing holding him back is his low launch angle, currently sitting at 6%, which makes you wonder how much more power he could unlock with an adjustment. With that tweak, he could easily hit 40 home runs in a season. Even without it, his solid average, good power, and high walk rate make him a top-tier option behind the plate. He's in his prime, so I’d have no problem reaching for him.
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
