LOGIN

Here, friend, are some catchers that I will be targeting at my 2025 fantasy drafts after the top options are gone. I’m not going to get into the strategy of punting catchers. Been there, half-drunkenly wrote that during the Ottoman Empire. Click on the player’s name where applicable to read more and see their 2025 projections and blurbs I wrote for them. This is a (legal-in-most-countries) supplement to the top 20 catchers of 2025 fantasy baseball. (Yes, I will go over each position.) Now, guys and five girl readers, I am not saying avoid catchers like Yainer Diaz if they fall, but, to get on this list, a catcher needs to be drafted after 200 overall, and, yes, I will go around the entire infield, outfield and pitchers to target very late. In regards to the ADP in the parenthesis, NFBC is for two catcher leagues, so that should be taken into account. Anyway, here’s some catchers to target for 2025 fantasy baseball:

Logan O’Hoppe (ESPN 200) Word about the ADPs listed. If a site is not listed, then that player was ranked prior to 200 overall (Yahoo and NFBC, in this instance), and NR means that site didn’t rank that player in their top 300. In fairness to ESPN when there’s an NR next to their name, they only rank up to 300 overall, and only 12 catchers should be ranked in the top 275, or at most 13 catchers (I have 13, in case there’s a joker in 12-team league). This is basic math, if you’re in a 12-team league, how many catchers are drafted? Hint: The number should be 12. “In case of joker, there’s 13,” because someone might draft two catchers, thinking they’re getting some kind of advantage (they’re not). Yahoo has 19 catchers in their top 275, which is goofy. The math ain’t mathing. Any hoo! Ironically (Is it irony? Only the British know irony), I’m a hair lower in my ranks on O’Hoppe than all three. I’d draft him, but it’s hard to be totally committed to being excited about catchers, so please allow me to state my fear with O’Hoppe. Ron Washington runs down a line, not to first or home, if you follow, and he decides to platoon O’Hoppe with d’Arnaud or d’O’H.

Austin Wells (ESPN NR) Has the biggest gain in value since Spring Training started, in my mind, and only in my mind, though maybe in your mind, I’m not in your mind. Biggest gain in value because there’s real talk of him hitting leadoff for the Yanks vs. righties, which might be the number one reason why the Yanks are not a favorite to win the AL East, though there’s a four-way tie with Gerrit Cole’s injury, not re-signing Soto and not signing another starter. Also, for what it’s worth, Austin Wells shouldn’t be NR (unranked).

Keibert Ruiz (NFBC 211, ESPN NR, Yahoo 257) Keibert’s famous last words were, “!^&(@%!” His famous first words were, his projections look like Austin Wells’s plus twenty points on average. Ruiz has youth on his side, so it’s not a terrible flyer since he was considered a solid prospect at one time. Or said like Joe Pesci, he has yute on his side.

Connor Wong (NFBC 219, ESPN NR, Yahoo 241) This one I’m closer to NFBC and Yahoo on and not ESPN, as I have him ranked in the 230 range. Like calling dibs with finger cuffs, I am the high man on Wong. My thought is: He was 178th overall last year on the Player Rater, and why would he be that much worse now?

Shea Langeliers (ESPN 252) So, I’m fully invested in Langeliers. I’m hanging from a chandelier, singing Sia’s Chandeliers but subbing in the name Langeliers. I’m bought in, baby! Why? Why such love, you ask while batting your eyelashes. He hit 29 homers last year, stole four bags and hit .224 and is going to be in a minor league park this year. A 35-homer, .235 season is possible. For what it’s Cronenworth, Langeliers was 101st last year on the Player Rater.

Bo Naylor (NFBC 311, ESPN NR, Yahoo 274) Am I liking Naylor more now — Yaymor? — because I saw he hit two homers in a Spring Training game? No (yes), not at all (absolutely). Listen, there’s so little to go on with enthusiasm for catchers, I’m fine getting a little bit pumped for a catcher just because he was good in a spring game.

Danny Jansen (NFBC 345, ESPN NR, Yahoo 335) Maybe because I’m too smart for my own good with like Mensa-type shizz in my medulla oblongata, but I can remember last preseason when Danny Jansen was seen as a guy who hit 17 homers in 86 games and could be incredibly valuable if he had a full time job. Guess what he has now. Also, guess where he’s playing. For Jansen, my Convert to Steinbrenner Field says, “Will fire and rehire Kevin Cash six times this year.” Hmm, that converter needs work.

Hunter Goodman (NFBC 382, ESPN NR, Yahoo NR) Can’t find a better man, Eddie Vedder? Then draft Goodman.

Drake Baldwin (NFBC 497, ESPN NR, Yahoo NR) Since I added him into the catchers rankings since I posted my rankings, let me quote to you what I have there, “Added when Murphy cracked his rib (on a tooth?) and it was announced Baldwin could start the year as the Braves’ catcher. Here’s my negative on him: Murphy is signed through 2028, and it seems unlikely he returns to just become a backup. Positive for Baldwin? Everything else. Baldwin went 16/2/.276 in 468 minor league ABs last year, spending majority of the time at Triple-A. He’s a hit tool, power catcher. It could be glorious if the ABs are there. The Drake is ready.” And that’s me quoting me!

Agustin Ramirez (ESPN NR, Yahoo NR, NFBC 538) He doesn’t even appear in my top 500, so ya know we’re deep here and maybe not playable. Let’s just look at his stats from the minor leagues this past year, 80/25/93/.267/22 in 476 ABs. I literally just fell over and had to have Cougs resuscitate me. He hit 25 homers and stole 22 bags with a 18.6 K% as a 22-year-old, ending his minor league year in Triple-A with no place to go but the majors and was traded for Jazz to Miami, so the Marlins have incentive to promote him? I am about to fall again, please do resuscitate. There’s no “not” in there.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

161 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Chhhh
Chhhh
9 days ago

Endy Rodriguez.

I just got a feeling.

J.R.
J.R.
9 days ago

If any of you are in a deeeeep dynasty league like I am, a sneaky add (especially if you have minors) would be Gage Workman.

Is it because he is 6-4? No.
Is it because he gave up switch hitting? No.
Is it because he is a Rule 5 pick? No.
Is it because he crushed it in ST? No.
Is it because he made the roster for Japan? No.

It is simply due to him having a middle name that screams success.

Gage. Tater. Workman.

joebobsays
joebobsays
9 days ago

Hi Gray—

Nl only 10 teamed. Keep 15. Auction 260 budget.

Which side on this trade
Cease @21
For Strand 5 Scott 3 Woodruff 1?

Alex
Alex
9 days ago

Would you give Brady Singer for Cedric Mullins? 12 team dynasty.

Alex
Alex
Reply to  Alex
9 days ago

Replying to myself, because that’s a pretty boring offering, and in H2H I need power. How about Singer for Tyler O’Neil?

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Alex
9 days ago

I would for ONeil. Mullins I think is a little underrated but he might be on the decline and/or moved.

KailuaBoy
KailuaBoy
Reply to  Alex
8 days ago

Hold on to the Singer!
He might sing you a song!
Mullins and O’Neil= injuries and age

Steve
Steve
9 days ago

I am in a 12 team mixed roto keeper league, keepers due this week. Keep 10. Who are you keeping of this set?

C. Walker
Naylor
L. Garcia
Semien
Swanson
Steer
Doyle
Rooker (DH only)
Seiya
Santander

L. Gilbert
M. King
B. Snell
D. Williams
R. Helsley
Nola
Fried
R. Lopez
R. Walker

I’m leaning Walker, Naylor, Garcia, Doyle, Rooker, Santander, Gilbert, Snell, King, Williams, but some of these guys feel close (especially Semien, Seiya, Helsley).

Thanks!

Harley Earl
Harley Earl
9 days ago

Need to watch this Samuel Basallo kid for Baltimore. One of the top prospects in baseball, and he’s doing very well this spring. Should get a chance sometime this summer although probably later like August or September. Still, dude can rake and he’s worth keeping an eye on! He’s likely to get 1B eligibility too. Hit a three-run bomb a day or two ago! BUY!!!!

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Harley Earl
9 days ago

You guys have any thoughts on how the roster will shakeout? Baltimore is just burdened with talent. If Basallo gets 1B, does that put Mayo on block? Will they actually move any of the like 5 top OF prospects they got?

Harry Reid
Harry Reid
9 days ago

Hey Grey, 12 team keeper, H2H, 6×6.Looking for Advice on last draft pick. Soroka, David Peterson, Max Meyer, Burns, Sproat, Zebby? Give me a couple in order. Thanks

Harry Reid
Harry Reid
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Your thoughts on Aranda, above these pitchers??

FinsterGrinster
FinsterGrinster
9 days ago

Grey,

My league’s auction is coming up this weekend. 10-Tm, NL-Only, H2H, $280, Keep-5.

I’m planning to keep Carroll (36), Chourio (23), King (23), R. Lopez (3), Winn (2).

MLB Trade Rumors reports that SD won’t be trade Cease or King in light of the Yankees’ recent loss of Cole and Gil. Would you be worried about the possibility of King being moved if the Yankees don’t sign or trade for a starter before the weekend? There’s also always a chance SD decides to move King if they are out of it to acquire a nice haul. My backup plan would be Justin Steele for $16.

Thank you!

Last edited 9 days ago by FinsterGrinster
The frozen head of Ted Williams
The frozen head of Ted Williams
9 days ago

Hello

Need some SP keeper help

I can choose between Grayson Rodriguez, Taj Bradley or Shane Baez

It was an easy choice for GR until his elbow soreness

Keep with him or switch to Baz or Taj? This is a points league that doesn’t count wins, big penalty for HR and rewards high k with low walks and IP

Literally every ranking has baz and Taj right next to each other but the HR penalty has me moving towards Baz

Thanks!

toolshed
9 days ago

I probably missed this but where would bregman be on your 2b rankings if he qualified? It sounds Devers is still being difficult although he may be DH to start the year. Whether he sticks there remains to be seen. I think the only players complaining about devers at dh are probably Devers and Yoshida.

James
James
9 days ago

Posted elsewhere but may be getting stale as an older article. Please rank Joey Ortiz, Joey Bart or Sean Maneaa. Thanks

Captain Obviuos
Captain Obviuos
Reply to  James
9 days ago

There are ranks for everyone.

Ozzie Smith
Ozzie Smith
9 days ago

Happy Tuesday Grey!
Drafted my high stakes home league last night and wanted your overall thoughts on the team before waivers open up in a couple days to see if you see any glaring weaknesses.

12 team h2h 10×10 with SV’s/holds
Auction draft and we may keep up to 3 players from last year for 20% increase of drafted price. I’ve been pretty successful in this league with a couple of strategies, mainly loading up on hitting and pitching bulk and then grabbing good holds guys with good ratios during the season instead of paying for saves in the draft.
Let me know what you think? Thanks as always!

C- Stephenson $1 (yuck)
1- Casas $8
2- Betts $45
3- Vientos $21 ( a few dollars higher than I wanted but I couldn’t let you down).
SS- Lindor $38
OF- Chourio $8 keeper
OF- Duran $29
OF- Tatis $35
U- Rooker $25
U- Turang $3
BN- Josh Lowe $1 (just in case the park is amazing
BN- Jeremy Pena $1

SP- Skenes $8 keeper
SP- Skubal $13 keeper
RP- Puk- $1
RP- Yates- $1
P- Schwellenbach- $9
P- Steele $3
P- Mclanahan $2
P- Woo $2
Bn- Reynaldo Lopez $2
Bn- Eovaldi $2
Bn- Jobe – $1
Bn- Uceta $1

80 moves allowed for the season so plenty of moves to be made as the season goes on, but how do you like it to start the season?

Cohen
Cohen
9 days ago

Grey which hitting group do u prefer?

Team A
Tucker of
JRod of
Olson 1b
Jazz 3b
Wood of
Bellinger CI

Team B
Lindor ss
Yordan of
Riley 3b
Jazz of
Wood of
Naylor 1b

Smitty
9 days ago

Had a dream the O’s dealt O’Hearn for a pitcher and gave Sam Basallo his roster spot. I know, I know it’s just a dream, but this kid is so special. If the brass could just mix him in at 1B, DH and C and turn him loose! Bat speed? Power? Anyhoo, got a couple of shares of Langliers (120/129) and would love a shot at Raleigh but *sigh* he goes so high. Kinda like Ruiz mid-late, and have grabbed Jansen late. Catchers, can’t live without’em, ugh

Smitty
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

I did. I am a fan and got a couple of shares as dart throws, but really hope he gets a shot. Boy, if (Yordy’s younger brother) Samuel gets the call watch out!!!

Schmohawks Bob
Schmohawks Bob
9 days ago

In an AL only keeper, somebody offered me Soderholm, Jack Kochanowicz, and Kenley Jansen for Aranda, Chris Martin and Bowden Francis at a slightly higher salary to me. Is Soderholm enough of an upgrade over Aranda to make this worthwhile?

Schmohawks Bob
Schmohawks Bob
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Yes. My bad. That was Siri. Tyler Soderstrom on ATH.

Schmohawks Bob
Schmohawks Bob
Reply to  Schmohawks Bob
9 days ago

One last detail, it would probably cost me about eight dollars in salary of 260 to do this.

Schmohawks Bob
Schmohawks Bob
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thanks!

NJW
NJW
9 days ago

Grey,

Keeper question…I’m conflicted about this one. I have Junior Caminero in a league that keeps 10, and I stashed him as MiLB making him a major value if he is as good as many (including myself) think he can be.

A league mate of mine wants him desperately from me and is offering Mookie Betts and Andrew Painter for him. Betts is a round 1 keeper (despite this, I can keep him for as long as I want) and is 32 years old…but he’s Mookie and he’s better than we can realistically hope our top prospects become. Andrew Painter is obviously someone Itch has written up and we all know as one of the very best pitching prospects in baseball…but he’s a pitcher and is coming off TJS.

What do you think?

NJW
NJW
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thank you, appreciate your input!

Landon
Landon
9 days ago

Hello Grey, so excited for baseball season to start! I can keep 10 total players for my categories keeper league and was wondering your opinion? Thanks so much!
Jose Ramirez
Yordan Alvarez
Wyatt Langford
Willy Adames
Marcus Semien
Junior Caminero
Matt McLain
Ezequiel Tovar
Adolis Garcia
Colton Cowser
Logan O’Hoppe
Lane Thomas
Kerry Carpenter
Nathaniel Lowe
Jackson Holliday
Micheal Busch
Victor Robles
Tyler Fitzgerald
Evan Carter
Josh Hader
Edwin Diaz
Tanner Bibee
Spencer Schwellenbach
Joe Ryan
Justin Steele
Grayson Rodriguez
Bryan Woo
Shane Baz
Jeffrey Springs
Ronel Blanco

Landon
Landon
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

12 teams

Landon
Landon
Reply to  Landon
9 days ago

*10 teams* sorry

Lou
Lou
9 days ago

I play in a 12 team h2) categories league on yahoo. Catchers typically don’t go in first seven rounds. Would you take a catcher in the 8th like adley or William Contreras?

Fungazi 2.0
Fungazi 2.0
9 days ago

12 T H2H with two extra util spots. I found recent years picking up good hitting through the year was a lot harder than pitching so I waited an extra round or two to pick SPs and the pairings tool doesn’t work.

Core bats – Carrol, Vlady, Riley, Alonso, Abrams
Core SP – Glasnow, Ober, Brown, Jones

Roast me!

Fungazi 2.0
Fungazi 2.0
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thanks! Interested to see how it plays out, especially since Glasnow is usually an avoid for me.

Play Ball
Play Ball
9 days ago

Grey,
Any ST thoughts on Story and Bobachette? Think they are both in for a scent rebound this year? Particularly, Boba. Would you adjust his projections?

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Play Ball
9 days ago

scratched with back tightness. a familiar story…

Smitty
Reply to  OaktownSteve
9 days ago

same old Story

Jah
Jah
9 days ago

10-team points league, no negative points for K’s.

Keep 5 forever – Soto, Ohtani, Vlad are obvious.

I also have Riley, Trea Turner and Junior Caminero.

Which 2 should I keep?

Jah
Jah
Reply to  Jah
9 days ago

will add that we have a CI and MI lineup slot if that matters.

Biff Pocaroba
Biff Pocaroba
9 days ago

Grey, NL only auction league, can keep 5, budget $280. Typical 5×5 but OBP instead of Avg. These are my eligible keepers (the ones I am deciding from):

Austin Riley $30
B. Snell $27
W. Smith (C) $23
Z. Gallen $21
S. Suzuki $17
B. Stott $12
Max Meyer $1

Smith I think I let go of at that price. Stott is a positional value, and Meyer gives me a lot of flexibility budget wise. In my opinion, it comes down to Gallen at $21 or Sieya Suzuki at $17…what would you do? Who would you keep 5 of in general on this list? Thanks as always.

Last edited 9 days ago by Biff Pocaroba
Biff Pocaroba
Biff Pocaroba
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thanks Grey, Seiya it is.

Snacks
Snacks
9 days ago

FML, yesterday you mentioned my pitching was suspect, who would you recommend I go after in trade or on the wire? Anyone in particular or just stream? 12 team Points league. Thanks again! I will put my team below. Thank you again.

Langliers
M. Olson
Ozzie
Jazz
B.Witt jr.
R. Hoskins (CI)
M.Winn (MI)
J.Adell
J.Dominguez
B.Doyle
J.McCarthy
J.Soler
J.Pena
M.King
F. Peralta
T.Glasnow
Z.Gallen
Eovaldi
Pfaadt
J.Irvin
F.Bautista
A.Munoz

Snacks
Snacks
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Got it, thank you

Peter guigli
9 days ago

Teel could be a sleeper when he comes up for the white sox. 4-12 with 2 hr and a double.. yesterday 3-5. With a homer. But the Sox’s and being the Sox’s.

Tim N
Tim N
9 days ago

In a 10 team h2h league (OPS, not avg) where I’m keeping Gunnar, Mookie, Corbin, and deGrom (as a 20th rounder), Who would you keep as a 5th keeper from this list: Bryce Harper 5th round, Devers 2nd, Ozuna 10th, Riley Greene 17th, Michael King 6th, Reynaldo Lopez 17th?

ellis
ellis
9 days ago

Hi Grey

I can only keep 15 of the following, I am keeping the 13 in bold, do you agree with these and what 2 others would you keep. The years are the longest I can possibly keep them and the number is the $ amount towards $260 for a full roster of 23. Thank you!

1B TCasas Bos (2 more years, 20)
2B DHamilton Bos (4 more years 2)
SS CCorrea Min (4 more years 19)
SS MMayer Bos (4 more years 2)
3B AToro Bos (4 more years 1)
OF JNoel Cle (4 more years 5)
OF LButler Oak (4 more years 3)
OF JLoperfido Tor (4 more years 4)
OF SBrown Oak (4 more years 1)
OF RAnthony Bos (4 more years 10)
C YDiaz Hou (2 more years 11)
C KTeel CWS (4 more years 2)
UT JPCrawford Sea (4 more years 1)
CI RUrias Bal (4 more years 3)
CI XIsaac TB (4 more years 2)
MI TStory Bos (4 more years 11)
P JBerrios Tor (3 more years 8)
P SLugo KC (4 more years 1)
P GCrochet Bos (4 more years 1)
P BOber Min (4 more years 11)
P YaRodriguez Tor (4 more years 3)
P JBoyle TB (4 more years 3)
P KMaeda Det (4 more years 1)
P SMcClanahan TB (4 more years 7)

2B VGrissom Bos (4 more years 20)
2B WWagner Tor (4 more years 3)
OF ABarger Tor (4 more years 2)
OF CDeLauter Cle (4 more years 10)
UT #Orelvis Martinez Tor (4 more years 2)
UT BBaldwin CWS (4 more years 2)

martinrostoker
martinrostoker
9 days ago

Hi Grey,

Yahoo 10 Team Points League

I was thinking of offering Jeremy Pena and Lane Thomas to another manager for Jackson Merrill

Note: My current CFs are Nimmo, Coswer or Thomas. I am open to offering Nimmo or Coswer if you think I should.

Of course, I could just hold.

Thanks!

Thoughts?

martinrostoker
martinrostoker
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thank you!

Kaplan Kimberly
Kaplan Kimberly
9 days ago

Strong team???

Mixed, 5×5, 10 teams, Roto

C- O’Hoppe
1B-Vinnie
2B-Albies
SS-Elly
3B-Riley
CI-Westburg
MI-Edman
OF-Yordan
OF-Chourio
OF-Riley Greene
OF-Tyler O’Neill
OF-Josh Lowe
UT-Brandon Lowe
UT-Conforto

P-Grayson
P-Bibee
P- Ober
P- Joe Ryan
P- Jared Jones
P- Woo
P- Robbie Ray
P- Pivetta
RP-Iglesias
RP-Jhoan Duran

Thanks!!

Kaplan Kimberly
Kaplan Kimberly
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Thanks

Sport
Sport
9 days ago

Just learned Yahoo doesn’t offer free public 12 team roto leagues. You have to play prize leagues to get into a 12 team league, or for free, play in a 10 team team. I despise 10 team leagues! After 30 years of playing in four to five public yahoo leagues per year, they cut me off. So disappointing. Draft season used to be so much fun, but now I’m feeling pretty blue as I tinker with my options of play.

Question for anyone.
Yahoo used innings pitched caps for pitchers. What does ESPN use for pitching in standard roto public leagues?

Are the hitting positions C,1B, 2B, SS, 3B, 3OF, 2 UT? Or does ESPN use 2 C, a CI and MI?

Freedminds
Freedminds
Reply to  Sport
9 days ago

You really can’t put up $5 or $20 to play in a Roto prize league for Yahoo ? Pretty low barrier to entry…

Mike
Mike
9 days ago

Auction Keeper. Left the auction without a 3B and wondering if getting Freddie Freeman at the price I paid was the best idea. If I was to offer this trade, would it be a reasonable offer and if so, should I do it if they would? 6×6 pretty standard but obp instead of avg. Prices would increase by 5 next year if kept. Any opinions appreciated.

I give Freddie Freeman 31 and Zac Gallen 5.
I receive Vientos 18, Pablo Lopez 18, Matt Shaw 7.

Current lineup is C Contreras, 1b Freeman, 2b Ozzie, 3B empty, SS Gunnar, OF Julio, OF Carroll, OF Cowser, UT Pasquantino and UT Buxton.

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Hey Grey, thanks for the help. He surprisingly said he’d like to keep Vientos and stated he might be open to Freeman and a better pitcher going his way for Jose Ramirez. Are there any pitchers of the following you wouldn’t add with Freddie to get JoRam? Thanks again.

Kept:
Bryce Miller 6
Crochet 15

Drafted:
McClanahan 11
Robbie Ray 8
Pfaadt 2
Gallen 5
Schwellenbach 13
Sandy Alcantara 8
Shane Baz 1

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Hey Grey

Not sure if you’ll see this now but we’ve had a bit of back and forth and he seems willing to do my Freeman, Alcantara and Gallen for Jose and Pablo Lopez. No brainer jump on that, correct?

Cable
Cable
9 days ago

And we’re all sitting there lined up in front of that blanked-out TV set, watching the gray screen just like we could see the baseball game clear as day, and she’s ranting and screaming behind us. If somebody’d of come in and took a look, men watching a blank TV, a fifty-year-old woman hollering and squealing at the back of their heads about discipline and order and recriminations, they’d of thought the whole bunch was crazy as loons………

stevie
stevie
9 days ago

Hey Grey,
My first RCL draft is in the books. Do you have any likes and dislikes?
C- Smith
1B- Bellinger
2B- Altuve
SS- Adames
3B- Chisholm
OF- Castellanos, Cowser, Crow-Armstrong, Heliot, Suzuki
CI- Raley
MI- W. Castro
UT- Shohei
Bn- Muncy

P- Wheeler, Gray, Sasaki, Eflin, Baz, Sugano
Iglesias, Pressly, Chapman, Foley, Uceta

Cable
Cable
9 days ago

12 team h/h points redraft….

my target is Langeliers every draft

Dom
Dom
9 days ago

10 team keeper league, standard 5×5 roto league.

We keep players for 3-years. I was all in on Gunnar before the injury, loved the position, age, and potential.

How do you rank these three for next 3 years
– Gunnar
– Soto
– Ramirez (age?)

mcstarrs
9 days ago

Thanks for the write up Grey! Just snagged Wong in my RazzSlam league.

Question for you.. I am new to looking at Statcast pages for batters. Can you help me understand which stats are more innate versus which can be developed over time? I was thinking Chase and Whiff% are more IQ based. While Squared Up deals with posture and then SLG can be developed through strength training. Am I on the right track?

J.R.
J.R.
9 days ago

Im big on the top guys, Raleigh, Diaz, the Contreri, even Lang but I take a hard pass on the middle dudes. At least I get power,avg, or both with top guys. Middle guys dont seem to offer anything but frustration at that price. Id rather go deep for hail mary on guys who have shown flashes and can get PT elsewhere to get some stats. Definitely in on a guy like Goodman who has shown power flashes, can get PT in field and as well, and could breakout. If I miss on a top id rather wait to the backend of it all for a C. Hell id rather go Goodman and Rice than either Wells or Naylor.

But I got Diaz so this is all conjecture.

(I also have Goodman and Rice but their performance doesnt hurt me with having Diaz)

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  J.R.
9 days ago

i have elias diaz shares. has a gig. number 1 thing i look for in cheap catchers is the possibility of not hitting .210. have a weird unsupported by evidence feeling he will like playing in sd

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

probably need to update the playing time for diaz and lfg san diego

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Rice does not have C elig but I read a while back they were carrying him as their primary backup there. That might be dated info. I think he only played 2 at C last year but expect at least 20 this year.

Campusano keeps messing with his swing idk why.I was on him then off him and now hard to buy back in.

Pistol Pete
Pistol Pete
9 days ago

Who do you prefer of Wyatt Langford, Teoscar Hernandez, Marcell Ozuna, Adley Rutschman, Junior Caminero?

Dave D
Dave D
9 days ago

I actually punted catcher in my DC. It wasnt premeditated but everyone seemed to be jumping ADP and there’s no way I was. My first catcher was Amaya at 362. I waited all the way to 532 to grab Korey Lee, then Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero. Im not sure how that’s gonna play out. Ill let you know. I also grabbed Moises Ballesteros and Liam Hicks. 6 catchers. A first for me. Quantity over Quality or just rolling the dice on upside? Im not really sure TBH.

alecleamas
alecleamas
9 days ago

Are catchers the Tight Ends of fantasy baseball? Or are they the Kickers of fantasy baseball? Or are they even worse than that?

alecleamas
alecleamas
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Well, you’re missing out on a lot of really lousy announcing and lots and lots of even worse beer, truck and gambling commercials.

Dickie T
Dickie T
Reply to  alecleamas
9 days ago

Definitely the kickers. Guys overpay all the time for slightly more production. Those Sal Perez 40hr seasons are few and far between

gmark
gmark
9 days ago

Hey Grey, these articles are a real lifeline to better times. We still have close to a foot of snow in the yard. I drafted Wil Smith as, hopefully, a “set it and forget it” catcher. But, I’m in a very competitive 14 team 6×6 league and was wondering if you had an opinion on which SP, if either, would be the better shot in the dark, Will Warren or Sean Burke.

alecleamas
alecleamas
Reply to  gmark
9 days ago

Yeah, daydreaming of green grass and no snow. We still have 2-3 feet of snow and more than that where it sloughed off the roof. Aside from the one time I lucked into Yainer Diaz at 123 I’ve been drafting Austin Wells very late just to see what happens the first few weeks.

gmark
gmark
Reply to  alecleamas
9 days ago

We were that way a couple weeks ago but we have hit a nice warm spell, hopefully Spring. Yeah, Smith is the best catcher I’ve had in quite a few seasons. I typically grab one much later, like you.

Fungazi 2.0
Fungazi 2.0
9 days ago

You’d be surprised the catchers drafted in some leagues. I’m in a 12 T where 18 were drafted. There’s a real belief in a lot of managers that they must have a backup for every position.

quimmy
quimmy
9 days ago

I hate all these guys. LOL. Expanding on the trade from yesterday (Chourio for Strider and Suzuki).

I wound up rejecting and he countered with the following:

His Chouiro (rd1 3 years) for my JDuran (expiring contract) and Sonny Gray (expiring contract). Thoughts?

Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
9 days ago

Anyone hear anything about Mitch Garver this spring? Perhaps a chance at an odd year-Saberhagenmetrics season ahead?

tigres
tigres
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Hand / wrist injury is today’s news, so Garver likely on IL to start season…

Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
Reply to  tigres
9 days ago

Lol thanks!

bigbear
bigbear
9 days ago

Some scabs need to be picked!

Hutch
Hutch
9 days ago

12 team dynasty…5×5…what are your quick thoughts on this pitching staff
M.Boyd
Grant Holmes
Luzardo
T.Myers
Steele
Detmers
Festa
B.Francis
Pepiot
Should I move Casas for another arm? What would be a good guy to target Joe Ryan?
Thank you…

Hutch
Hutch
Reply to  Hutch
9 days ago

I have guys on my my minors squad but they won’t be up for until later in the season…

Peter Guigli
9 days ago

In a league with. 9 offensive categories including hits, walks, hr, RBI’s SB, K, xbh, runs and Walks would you use projections for A point leagues for a guide? Thanks in advance.

tigres
tigres
9 days ago

Hey Grey! I took Drake B in RCL late rd last night so glad to see him turn up on the list this morning. Whaddya think about adding Murphy to IL, and then can decide who of the two to keep once he’s back? I got Acuna early so can make add once he is also officially on IL. (oh yeah – Elly, Acuna, Olson first three… yay!)

Norman Ginsberg
Norman Ginsberg
9 days ago

I expected to see Bart near top of your list (my $1-2 goal in my 2 catcher league this weekend). Is he actually above 200 in both Yahoo and ESPN?

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
9 days ago

Here’s a guy who took Ramirez in the dc. the marlins have jonah bride penciled in at dh. the best would be if they let the kid come up and catch 2x a week and get dh ab’s as well.

have you looked into the projection system called oopsy at all. quietly showed up on fangraphs. heard some chatter about it this year. seems like a gumbo of traditional stat inputs plus some statcast stuff. the part that got my attention, or more accuarately, the attention of the guys who brought it to my attention, is that it seems to believe that bat speed is predictive and it’s a key input. kinda interesting. anyhoo, oopsy loves hunter goodman and his top 50 bat speed to the tune of a .244 average and 17 hrs in about 300 pa’s. he did hit 5 hr’s in 16 games after a swing change in sept. last year.

Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
Reply to  OaktownSteve
9 days ago

Good call Oaktown, I think Goodman will be sneaky value at the end of a draft

alecleamas
alecleamas
Reply to  Dom Cobb
9 days ago

Shhh…

Dave D
Dave D
Reply to  OaktownSteve
9 days ago

The one obstacle for Ramirez catching this year is that they took Liam Hicks in Rule 5 and really like him a lot. He will likely make team , and be Alcantara’s personal catcher. From what I have heard, he might even be on the verge of bumping Fortes from starting job. Im not sure what all that means for Ramirez, maybe he will be the DH, but possibly wont be catching until September without an injury to Fortes or Hicks.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Dave D
9 days ago

yeah doesn’t look like a full season ab’s for sure. took him in the draft and hold as a third c hoping the opportunity pops at some point. fun to dream on a running catcher tho.

Dave D
Dave D
Reply to  OaktownSteve
9 days ago

Yeah, did the same with Teel. Lotto tickets. Good luck!

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Dave D
9 days ago

back attcha

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

ooh look at me, i know the oopsy guy!

Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Back in my day, an oopsy guy was someone who unintentionally got his GF pregnant! Lol

Smitty
Reply to  OaktownSteve
9 days ago

Like Agustin’s bat a lot, hope he gets an opportunity

VinWins
9 days ago

In RCL 11, thirteen catchers were drafted, despite the fact 2 teams did not draft a catcher. Three teams drafted 2 catchers.

Old School Brother
Old School Brother
Reply to  VinWins
9 days ago

Make it make sense Vin!

galica1234
galica1234
9 days ago

Grey!!

Awesome!!

a) Drafted on Sunday, 12-team, roto, dynasty, 10-keeper, 3 MiLB slots, 22 active, 6 bench, 1 IL, daily. Feb 1 keeper deadline, March 1 draft from rounds 11-31. How did I do?

Baldwin (23, 276)
VGJ (2, 13)
Christian Moore (20, 229)
Caminero (6, 61)
Wilson (25, 300)
Shaw (9, 108)
Campbell (4, 37)
Anthony (13, 156)
Carroll (1, 12)
Cowser (15, 180)
Crews (8, 85)
Dominguez (7, 84)
Mayo (19, 228)

Bryce Miller (5, 60)
Woo (9, 109)
Adam (22, 253)
Helsley (11, 132)
Martinez (24, 277)
Megill (17, 204)
Cade Smith (28, 325)
Uceta (27, 324)
Ryan Walker (18, 205)

Bench
Sasaki (3, 36)
Arrighetti (16, 181)
Bradford (30, 349)
Jobe (14, 157)
Lowder (21, 252)
Burns (31, 372)

MiLB
Bazzana (29, 348)
Walcott (12, 133)
Made (26, 301)

Got a trade offer.

I give Carroll, VGJ and Baldwin
I get Ohtani, Harris II and Realmuto

Ohtani is hitter only, I’m the commissioner in the league I made it that way for Ohtani (hitter only).

What do you think? I rejected the trade. He wants VGJ, his 1st 2 picks (Ohtani and Chourio), my first two Carroll and VGJ for context.

b) Rodney Dangerfield quote of the day for March 11, 2025

Last week I went to my psychiatrist. He said I was crazy. I said if you don’t mind, I want a second opinion. He said all right, you’re ugly too.

Cheers,
Ante

Ante
Ante
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Grey!!

In Grey we trust, I put it back. Hopefully he accepts. Sunday was the inaugural draft of the league. Next year March 1, 2026 is when we do the 11-31 rounds after keepers kept Feb 1, 2026.

Upside plus all of your sleepers plus it’s a keeper league. 500 moves, 15/week maximum.

Cheers,
Ante

Ante
Ante
Reply to  Grey
9 days ago

Grey!

Trade accepted. I have moved Kurtz into my 1B slot temporarily. I need a 1B now, we’ll see. If no more than 4 managers reject than it goes into effect March 14. Thanks.

Cheers,
Ante