SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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Catcher remains one of the most demanding and impactful positions in baseball, and these five players have set themselves apart with elite performances both offensively and defensively. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, these are the top five catchers in Major League Baseball.
Thanks to <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/mlb-top-10-catchers/">Just Baseball</a> for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Top 5 MLB Catchers Heading into the 2025 Season

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2024 Stats: 121 G, .234/.298/.339, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 81 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR, +16 Framing Runs, 29% CS%
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/patrick-bailey/58490">Patrick Bailey</a> has quickly established himself as a premier defensive catcher, leading all players in Fielding Run Value (+22) in 2024. While his offense has lagged behind with a 79 wRC+ over his first 218 MLB games, his defensive impact cannot be overstated. Bailey’s framing ability (+16 Framing Runs) and league-leading contributions behind the plate make him an invaluable asset for the Giants.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/picks"> MLB Game Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/player-props">MLB Prop Picks.</a>

5. Patrick Bailey – San Francisco Giants

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2024 Stats: 128 G, .248/.327/.433, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 111 wRC+, 2.7 fWAR, -10 Framing Runs, 33% CS%
A model of consistency, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/william-smith/58657">Will Smith</a> has delivered at least a 110 wRC+ in every season of his career, including 20 home runs in 2024. His offense remains a reliable weapon for the Dodgers, though his defense saw a dip with -10 Framing Runs. Despite that, Smith remains a vital contributor, signing a 10-year, $140 million extension that solidifies his place in Los Angeles for the long term.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/">Just Baseball.</a>

4. Will Smith – Los Angeles Dodgers

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2024 Stats: 148 G, .250/.318/.391, 19 HR, 79 RBI, 104 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/adley-rutschman/57796">Adley Rutschman</a> has become the heart of the Orioles’ resurgence. While his 2024 campaign saw a drop from his previous two seasons—logging a career-low 104 wRC+—he remains one of the most complete players at the position. Rutschman’s ability to control the strike zone (16.1% K rate) and his defensive prowess ensure he’ll be a cornerstone for Baltimore for years to come.
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3. Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles

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2024 Stats: 153 G, .220/.312/.436, 34 HR, 100 RBI, 117 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR, +13 Framing Runs, 26% CS%
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/caleb-raleigh/57472">Cal Raleigh</a> has carved out a reputation as MLB’s most consistent power-hitting catcher. His 34 home runs and 100 RBIs in 2024 highlight his offensive capabilities, while his elite defense earned him the Platinum Glove Award as the best overall defender in the American League. Raleigh’s power and defensive reliability make him one of the most impactful players in the game.
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2. Cal Raleigh – Seattle Mariners

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2024 Stats: 155 G, .281/.365/.466, 23 HR, 92 RBI, 131 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/william-contreras/58084">William Contreras</a> claims the top spot as the best catcher in baseball heading into 2025. Since joining the Brewers via trade in 2023, Contreras has led all catchers in fWAR (11.2) and ranks second in wRC+ (128). Known for his offensive prowess, Contreras has also blossomed into one of the league’s premier defensive catchers. His combination of elite hitting and improved fielding solidifies him as the standard at the position.

1. William Contreras – Milwaukee Brewers

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Explore the top MLB catchers for 2025, including elite defenders like Patrick Bailey and offensive standouts like William Contreras. Stats, rankings, and more.

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