2026 MLB Season Preview: Top 10 Catchers Ranked

As spring training begins, ESPN's Buster Olney has released his annual rankings of the top 10 players at each position for the upcoming 2026 MLB season. This article focuses on the catchers, highlighting their performances from the previous season and expectations for the upcoming year.

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Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners is ranked as the top catcher for the 2026 season. Last year, he played 159 games, hitting 60 home runs, driving in 125 RBIs, and scoring 110 runs. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto noted Raleigh's desire to maintain a similar workload, balancing his time between catching and designated hitting. Raleigh's commitment to preparation and self-assessment has earned him respect within the organization, as he actively engages with younger players to set high expectations.

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Following Raleigh, the rankings include:

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1. Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays: Known for his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and leadership, Kirk had the lowest strikeout rate among catchers at 10.6% and ranked second in framing statistics.

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2. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers: Smith is recognized for his offensive prowess, achieving an OPS+ of 152 last season. His defensive skills have also improved, making him a valuable asset in the Dodgers' lineup.

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3. Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants: Bailey has won back-to-back Gold Gloves and excels in framing metrics, ranking first in Baseball Savant's catcher framing statistic.

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4. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers: Despite a dip in power, Contreras contributed significantly to the Brewers' offense with a .355 on-base percentage.

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5. Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers: Dingler is noted for his strong defensive capabilities and throwing arm, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez.

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6. Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics: Langeliers hit 31 home runs last season, showcasing his power despite playing in a hitter-friendly environment.

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7. Austin Wells, New York Yankees: Wells had a challenging offensive season but ranked highly in pitch-framing data, indicating potential for improvement.

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8. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves: Baldwin, the National League's Rookie of the Year, demonstrated impressive offensive skills, hitting 19 home runs.

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9. Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks: Moreno's all-around skills have been hampered by injuries, but he remains a highly regarded catcher.

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While Raleigh's offensive numbers are impressive, some evaluators have pointed out that his defensive metrics, particularly in pitch framing, showed a decline last season. This has raised questions about his overall defensive capabilities compared to peers.

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Buster Olney emphasized that these rankings are based on expected performances for the 2026 season rather than career longevity. He noted the importance of evaluating players in the context of their current abilities and contributions to their teams.

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• “Cal isn't interested in rest. He prefers to play.” — Jerry Dipoto, General Manager, Seattle Mariners

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• “You can tell he's a leader behind the plate.” — David Ross, Former Catcher

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• “He has a unique ability to filter out what matters,” — Mariners Front Office Member

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As the MLB season approaches, fans can anticipate further positional rankings from Olney, including evaluations of starting pitchers, first basemen, and designated hitters, culminating on February 27, 2026.

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