MLB · 1 year ago

Free Agent Catchers in 2024-25: Ranking the Top MLB Options

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1. Travis d’Arnaud – Consistent Offense and Veteran Presence
Key Stats: 63rd percentile in Blocks, 63rd percentile in Caught-Stealing Above Average

Veteran Travis d’Arnaud has developed into a reliable offensive catcher with power potential, regularly hitting 15-20 home runs. Though primarily used as a backup, he’s proven he can handle a starting role effectively, as seen during his 2022 All-Star season with 18 home runs and a .791 OPS. If a team needs an experienced catcher with a strong bat, d’Arnaud is one of the few who could step into a starting role in 2025.
6. Jacob Stallings – Defensive Specialist with Recent Offensive Upside
Key Stats: 94th percentile in Blocking, 11th percentile in Framing

Once an elite pitch framer, Jacob Stallings showed a surprising offensive uptick in 2024, hitting nine home runs with a .263 average. While his framing has declined, Stallings remains an excellent blocker and a trusted handler of pitching staffs. Teams in need of a reliable defensive catcher with occasional pop will likely find Stallings to be a solid option for depth.

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5. Carson Kelly – Strong First Half with Defensive Value
Key Stats: 85th percentile in Caught-Stealing, 68th percentile in Framing

Carson Kelly offers a well-rounded skill set, showing solid defense and good offensive production in the first half of 2024 with Detroit. While he struggled after moving to Texas, Kelly’s ability to handle pitchers and his early-season performance make him a desirable two-way catcher for teams looking for a backup with starting potential.

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4. Danny Jansen – High-Powered Bat with Injury Concerns
Key Stats: Consistently strong blocking skills, career-best 100th percentile in Blocking

Offensively, Danny Jansen stands out with his potential to hit 15-20 home runs, though injuries have often sidelined him. While not a top-tier framer or arm, his bat makes him a valuable asset when healthy. Any team willing to manage his injury history could benefit from Jansen’s offensive skills and decent defensive presence.

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3. Kyle Higashioka – Reliable Backup with a Power Surge
Key Stats: Career highs in home runs, RBI, and runs in 2024

Kyle Higashioka enjoyed a productive season in San Diego, setting career highs in key offensive stats at age 34. While he’s typically been a backup catcher, he posted a 1.4 bWAR in 2024, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a secondary catcher who can still contribute offensively.
2. Elias Díaz – Solid Backup with a Reliable Track Record
Key Stats: Former All-Star MVP, consistent but modest offensive numbers

Elias Díaz brings a dependable bat and a solid defensive presence. Despite a 2024 season affected by a calf injury, Díaz has shown he can be a reliable backup catcher. Known for holding down the primary catcher role in Colorado, Díaz should attract interest from teams needing an experienced backstop to split time behind the plate.
1. Travis d’Arnaud – Consistent Offense and Veteran Presence
Key Stats: 63rd percentile in Blocks, 63rd percentile in Caught-Stealing Above Average

Veteran Travis d’Arnaud has developed into a reliable offensive catcher with power potential, regularly hitting 15-20 home runs. Though primarily used as a backup, he’s proven he can handle a starting role effectively, as seen during his 2022 All-Star season with 18 home runs and a .791 OPS. If a team needs an experienced catcher with a strong bat, d’Arnaud is one of the few who could step into a starting role in 2025.
6. Jacob Stallings – Defensive Specialist with Recent Offensive Upside
Key Stats: 94th percentile in Blocking, 11th percentile in Framing

Once an elite pitch framer, Jacob Stallings showed a surprising offensive uptick in 2024, hitting nine home runs with a .263 average. While his framing has declined, Stallings remains an excellent blocker and a trusted handler of pitching staffs. Teams in need of a reliable defensive catcher with occasional pop will likely find Stallings to be a solid option for depth.

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Free Agent Catchers in 2024-25: Ranking the Top MLB Options

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