1. They don't play everyday- Even the best of catchers play at best 5 of 7 games a week. Fantasy baseball is an everyday game so you need someone in your roster that is ready to go everyday.
2. Usually a one or two tool player- Catchers aren't going to bring a lot of value to your team unless they're an anomaly like Buster Posey. Even the "best" catchers are only going to fetch you one or two main stats and that's about it. No 5 tool guys here.
3. Waste of a draft pick- If you're going to pick a catcher high, it better be Buster Posey. Otherwise, wait until later in the draft so you can fill your team with as much value as possible before you absolutely need to. Catchers always get hurt, so someone will be available in free agency that is serviceable and will provide you some value.
Can you tell I don't like catchers too much? Nothing against them personally, they have the toughest job in the game, but for fantasy purposes, they're quite frustrating.
With that said, here are my rankings:
1. Buster Posey SF (C, 1B)- The good thing about some catchers is they have eligibility for other positions. So with studs like Posey, it wouldn't hurt to draft him high and have another solid catcher on your roster as well. You'll really upset some other fantasy ballers, but it's your team, you're not here to make friends. There's not really much I can say about Posey that you all don't already know, he's a stud, he's healthy, and when Brandon Belt gets hurt (sorry it happens all the time), he'll be in at 1B to keep him even fresher.
2016 Stats: .315/.369, 18 HR, 90 RBI, 2 SB
2. Kyle Schwarber CHI (C, OF)- Schwarber came up last year for the Cubbies at just 22 and showed what a force he's going to be in his career. Unfortunately for him the left field experiment didn't go so hot towards the end of the season, but he's penciled in as the starting LF this season. He should continue to rake with plenty of at bats, assuming he learns how to catch a fly ball. Otherwise, he'll definitely get some at bats wherever possible because he's an absolute monster. Just look at this article:
http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/1359326/autographed-kyle-schwarber-windshield-auctioned
Yeah, he's a machine, I'd draft him high as well. But after him, no more catchers before later rounds (9, 10, 11)!
2016 Stats: .256/.345, 28 HR, 83 RBI, 6 SB
3. Brian McCann NYY (C, 1B)- Honestly, 3,4, and 5 are a toss up and you can feel comfortable with any of these guys in your top 5. I chose McCann pretty much for one reason: the short porch in right field. This will obviously provide him with more chances for homers and RBIs, but I also see him getting some playing time at first this season now that Greg Bird is likely done for the year. He should be able to contribute to an elderly Yankees team in a big way.
2016 Stats: .232/.292, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 0 SB
4. Russell Martin TOR (C)- Martin gets the nod over Salvador Perez because he gets on base more often than Perez. Russ normally starts off the season very slowly but picks it up after the first month or so, so don't lose hope on him too early or you might be disappointed. On a team that is stacked with HR power, you might not see as many RBIs as you would with McCann, but when he's on base, he's likely going to be hit home. I don't expect his power to be what it was last year as he's starting to get up there in age, but I do expect it to still be commendable.
2016 Stats: .245/.320, 17 HR, 63 RBI, 4 SB
5. Salvador Perez KC (C)- Perez has been a pretty reliable catcher the last 3 years, posting very similar numbers in each of those seasons. I don't expect much to change this season since the Royals have the exact same starting lineup they did last year. He'll provide fantasy owners a nice home run, RBI, and average. The only thing he lacks besides stolen bases, is on base percentage. It depends on what your league values statistic wise, but regardless, he's still a top 5 option.
2016 Stats: .260/.285, 18 HR, 72 RBI, 1 SB
6. Travis d'Arnaud NYM (C)- d'Arnaud was poised for a nice season in 2015 before injuries derailed him for the better half of the year. Though the encouraging statistic for 2015 was his power. He had almost 200 fewer plate appearances in 2015 than in 2014 yet hit only one fewer home run, and had the same exact RBIs. It looks like he's figured things out at the plate and is ready to become the Mets' starting catcher again. If he can stay healthy (this is a theme for catchers) he will be a solid producer at a good amount of categories.
2016 Stats: .255/.318, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 1 SB
7. Jonathan Lucroy MIL (C, 1B)- Following two stellar campaigns in 2013 and 2014, Lucroy was quite the disappointment last year. Sure he was injured, but even before that his numbers started to slip. I think Lucroy is a very talented baseball player, and should ultimately move to 1B to preserve his body, but the Brewers blocked that move by acquiring Chris Carter in the offseason. On a team with guys who absolutely cannot get on base (Carter, Villar, Santana), I think Lucroy's RBI numbers will decline this season, considering he plays the full year. Power should stay the same, and I think he will also hit for a decent average, but the Brewers should probably trade him for the sake of his career.
2016 Stats: .280/.340, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 3 SB
8. Devin Mesoraco CIN (C)- Straight outta Punxsutawney, Mesoraco showed flashes of brilliance during the 2014 campaign and was named an all-star that season as well. Fantasy owners were really excited to draft him last year but his body would not allow him to achieve anymore than 51 PA. He's still recovering from a hip injury but he is expected to be in the opening day starting lineup. Assuming he will play all season, I think he can replicate what he did in 2014. The reason he's so far down this list despite my projections is that I don't trust him to stay healthy all year based on last year. Despite that, he's still young enough to be able to be a star in this league, and 2016 could be another breakout campaign.
2016 Stats: .265/.343, 22 HR, 70 RBI, 1 SB
9. Matt Wieters BAL (C)- Another guy with so much promise, with a few great years, but also plagued by injuries the past few seasons. However, Wieters looks to be healthy this year and should be good to go for opening day. In 2011-2013 his numbers were fairly consistent year over year, and should he stay healthy this season, I'd expect him to be back to those days. The Orioles need another big bat in their lineup protecting Adam Jones and Chris Davis, Wieters could be their man if/when he plays the full season.
2016 Stats: .255/.325, 21 HR, 73RBI, 2 SB
10. Yasmani Grandal LAD (C)- Most people have Stephen Vogt in their top 10 catchers, and though I wouldn't be advised to that, I just think Grandal is the better option at this point in their careers. Vogt became a star at age 30, not many players, especially not catchers, are able to sustain that type of production after 30 years old. Grandal showed many improvements last year versus 2014: he cut down on strike outs, increased his OBP, and had one more home run with 20 fewer at bats. I think he stays fairly consistent this season on a Dodgers team that is ready to make another playoff run in 2016.
2016 Stats: .234/.350, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 1 SB
Honorable Mention: Francisco Cervelli
Catcher isn't really a fun position to highlight, so many injuries, and everyone pretty much has the same stats. Again, don't draft a catcher unless you really have to early on (everyone taking catchers early). Let them come to you and they'll provide you with steady production for a cheap cost. Jarrod Saltalamacchia was my boy in 2012!!
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