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2025 Catcher Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues

Fantasy BaseballDynasty Fantasy BaseballMLB Prospects
Wes Hughes
Author: Wes Hughes
20 min.read
Kyle Teel Fantasy Baseball Catcher Prospects

Rankings season is in full swing, and I’m diving into my catcher prospect rankings next. At FantraxHQ, I rank 400 prospects to help all you fantasy baseball addicts dominate your leagues. Catcher is a prospect-rich position with many of the top players on the verge of breaking into the league and many younger advanced players at the lower levels. This is a historically tough position to rank in fantasy because many of the intangible items that make great catchers in the big leagues are traditionally defense-related. Nevertheless, the next wave of stars is on their way and we are ready to cash in.

These rankings are my own analysis, crafted with a focus on fantasy baseball. While I appreciate resources like MLB’s Top 100 or Baseball America’s Top 100, my rankings are all about fantasy potential. Defense is great, but it doesn’t score you fantasy points or win categories.

If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out our Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects and Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

Here are a few notes on how I approach my rankings:

  • Fantasy Focused: These rankings are exclusively based on a player’s fantasy potential and my analysis of their value in fantasy leagues.
  • Criteria: Stats matter, Statcast data and park factors are weighted, injuries impact rankings, and future team context is considered. However, these rankings are a snapshot in time of a player’s projected future fantasy value.
  • Position Eligibility: Players with multiple positions are ranked at their primary position based on where they played the most games in the minors. For example, Kristian Campbell will appear in the 2B rankings.
  • Your Team, Your Vision: Use these rankings as a guide, not gospel. Your fantasy team is your own, and you should rank and draft prospects based on your own evaluations and strategy.

More Prospect Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP – (Links will be added as our Prospect Rankings continue)

Top 20 Catcher Prospect Rankings

20: Cooper Ingle | Cleveland Guardians | Level: AA | Age: 22

Cooper Ingle kicks off this list as the fourth-round pick out of Clemson University. Ingle showcases a rare combination of plate discipline, on-base skills, and a low strikeout rate, which is uncommon among catchers. In his first full season, he played at two levels and impressed at A+ with a .314 average and .433 OBP. He walked 51 times compared to 40 strikeouts and added a leg kick to his swing, contributing to 9 homers and 18 doubles. A very athletic catcher, Ingle also displays good speed, which could lead to double-digit steals at higher levels. His contact rate is exceptional at 86%, paired with a minuscule 5% swinging strike rate, which is remarkable. It’s rare to find better numbers among minor-league prospects at any position. Offensive development is usually the final step for catchers, but Ingle’s skills already make him a coveted Roto asset. If I had to pick a player capable of a big rankings jump by the end of 2025, it’s Cooper Ingle.

 

19: Ramon Ramirez | Kansas City Royals | Level: ROK | Age: 19

The Royals’ third-ranked catching prospect on this list, Ramon Ramirez, has an exceptional feel for the barrel at just 19. He generates high exit velocities and consistently makes hard contact, showcasing impressive power for his age. With a leg kick and strong swing separation, Ramirez creates above-average power while handling velocity better than most peers. While DSL numbers require caution, he excelled in 2023, slashing .344/.440/.615 with 8 home runs. In 2024, Ramirez faced tougher competition stateside, performing well by hitting .265 with a 12.8% walk rate in 203 plate appearances. His contact rates are strong, but he needs improvement on his 14.3% swinging strike rate caused by an aggressive 50% swing rate. With 50 Hit and 55 Power grades, scouts believe Ramirez could develop into a player capable of hitting for power and average.

18: Jimmy Crooks | St. Louis Cardinals | Level: AA | Age: 23

Jimmy Crooks was a big riser in rankings this season, breaking out with a strong performance at AA Springfield. Scouts often say, “I’ve never scouted a player who didn’t use batting gloves and couldn’t hit,” and Crooks proves it. The Oklahoma University product, a classic “dirtbag” hitter, posted a .321 average, 11 homers, and 19 doubles at AA this year. He feasts on right-handed pitching, has a good eye at the plate, and kept his strikeout rate manageable at 21%. Among AA players age 25 or younger, Crooks ranked third with a 156 wRC+, trailing only Kristian Campbell and Agustin Ramirez. That’s elite company and exciting for a catcher in a shallow roto position at the MLB level. With Wilson Contreras moving to 1B, Crooks could make an impact mid to late season if AAA goes well.

17: Alfredo Duno | Cincinnati Reds | Level: A | Age: 19

Alfredo Duno, who recently turned 19, has already earned rave reviews for his impressive raw power. Fangraphs rates his power an 80-raw, and Baseball America gives him a 65-current power grade, calling him “one of the larger and more powerful catchers in pro ball.” Some length in his swing contributed to his 29% strikeout rate at Low-A Daytona this past season. Even so, a .267/.367/.422 slash line as a teenager in the lower minors is impressive. Duno’s projection suggests a top-of-the-scale power bat with 35+ homer upside if he can refine his approach. His 64.6% contact rate is decent, but his 16% swinging strike rate needs improvement. Keep in mind, Duno faced pitchers 2-3 years older than him all season as an 18-year-old. He has shown the ability to make adjustments, and his development remains promising. A mid-season broken rib sidelined him for the second half, but a healthy 2025 could showcase his full potential.

16: Adrian Del Castillo | Arizona Diamondbacks | Level: MLB | Age: 25

Ranking Adrian Del Castillo here might draw criticism, given his breakout 2024 season and the impressive strides he made. At Triple-A, Del Castillo recorded 475 plate appearances, hitting .312 with a 16.9% strikeout rate and an 11.6% walk rate. He also hit 30 home runs between Triple-A and MLB, finishing the season strong for the Diamondbacks. The concern lies in his career minor league strikeout rate, which was around 25%, matching his 2025 projections. However, in 2024, he improved his zone contact rate from 83% to 86.4%, showing significant gains in approach. He also boosted his overall contact rate by nearly 5% and increased his zone-swing rate by 7%. Additionally, he reduced his swinging strike rate by nearly 2%, finishing at an impressive 10%. Statcast data supports his breakout, with a 90.4 mph average EV and a 111 mph Max EV. While his adjustments are encouraging, his minor league track record raises questions about whether this success is sustainable. I’d draft Del Castillo as a late-round flier with 30-homer upside, but only if he repeats his 2024 performance.

15: Eduardo Tait | Philadelphia Phillies | Level: A | Age: 18

Eduardo Tait is a popular riser in prospect rankings, showing impressive performance at just 17 in rookie ball and Low-A. His youth combined with 11 home runs already showcasing his power is rare for a player his age. Tait hit .321/.377/.500 at rookie ball, earning a promotion to Low-A Clearwater. His excellent contact skills helped him limit strikeouts to 14% in the Florida Complex League, a notable achievement for his age. Scouts believe Tait can develop into a plus hitter with better-than-average power, earning 50-hit and 50-power grades already. Those grades could easily grow to 60 as he matures and refines his skills further. While his aggressive 56% swing rate needs improvement, experience should help him learn to hunt for better pitches. With a 90th percentile exit velocity of 103 mph and a MaxEV of 112 mph, his potential is clear. Tait’s performance has earned him the #4 spot among Phillies prospects, with major strides expected in 2025.

14: Carter Jensen | Kansas City Royals | Level: AA | Age: 21

The Royals have a habit of signing young catchers, and Carter Jensen fits the mold perfectly. The Kansas City native had a mini-breakout in 2024, slashing .271/.386/.436 at A+. A rare skill for a catcher, Jensen stole 18 bases in 2024, offering a significant advantage in points and roto leagues. His quick, compact swing and good bat speed allow him to tap into more power than his frame might suggest. This helped him tally 46 extra-base hits in 2024, including 18 home runs, showcasing his offensive potential. A high on-base player, Jensen posted a 15% walk rate at A+, emphasizing his plate discipline. In the Arizona Fall League, he excelled with a .425/.582/.800 slash, 4 home runs, and more walks than strikeouts. While Fall League numbers should be viewed cautiously, they indicate meaningful strides in his approach. He struggled in his first AA stint, hitting .233, but he typically masters a level after repeating it. If Jensen continues improving, we could see him in AAA or even the majors by season’s end.

13: Blake Mitchell | Kansas City Royals | Level: A+ | Age: 20

Placing Blake Mitchell over Carter Jensen is all about upside, as Mitchell has one of the highest ceilings among these catching prospects. He is athletic for the position, offering the best power-speed combination of any catcher in the minors. It’s common for high school hitters to struggle transitioning to the lower minors, and Mitchell faced this challenge in 2024. He hit just .238 at Low-A due to swing-and-miss issues, striking out at a 30% clip. However, he still led the Carolina League with 18 home runs, adding 16 doubles and stealing 26 bases despite 40-grade speed. Mitchell’s 12% swinging strike rate and 42.5% swing rate suggest his passivity contributed to his elevated strikeout rate. His setup and approach are simple and repeatable, with strong legs and natural loft helping him access his raw power early. Despite strikeout concerns, Mitchell posted a 141 wRC+, making him a standout points league and 3-category contributor in fantasy.

12: Ethan Salas | San Diego Padres | Level: A+ | Age: 18

Ethan Salas exemplifies how pushing prospects too aggressively can negatively impact their development. The Padres are rumored to promote young players early to affect opposing teams’ algorithms and value models. This approach seemed evident when Salas was pushed to A+ and AA in 2023 despite inconsistent performance. At Low-A that season, he showcased his talent, hitting .267 with 9 home runs, 5 stolen bases, and walking 11% of the time. His gap-to-gap approach was evident in 2024, leading to 27 doubles, though his average dipped to .206. Keep in mind, Salas spent all of 2024 at A+ as the youngest player in the league, often facing older competition. His statcast data suggests his performance should have been better, with a 9.7% swinging strike rate, 45% swing rate, and 78.3% contact rate. A .256 BABIP likely contributed to his struggles, as his 10% walk rate and 21% strikeout rate were both acceptable. The 2025 season will be pivotal for Salas, whose exceptional talent could elevate him to top-15 prospect status. However, if he struggles again, the conversation could shift to concerns about him being a bust.

11: Harry Ford | Seattle Mariners | Level: AA | Age: 21

Harry Ford is arguably the most athletic catcher in the minors, combining elite talent with intangibles that excite fantasy players. Prospect hype around Ford has cooled after he hit .249/.377/.367 with 7 home runs in 2024. Those numbers are consistent with his 2023 stats, reflecting the athleticism that once made him highly ranked among catchers. Since 2022, Ford has drawn the second-most walks in the minors, providing a significant advantage in OBP leagues. The Kennesaw native boasts a career .404 OBP and has stolen 20+ bases every season, including 35 in 2024. While his power dipped, hitting just 7 home runs, his 26 doubles showcase the potential for many extra-base hits. Ford’s 10% swinging strike rate and 74% contact rate pair with a slightly passive 41% approach. I remain bullish on Ford, who emphasized defense in 2024 and might transition to the outfield given his athleticism. A .240 hitter with 15-20 home runs, 30+ steals, and a 15% walk rate is rare for any catcher. Even if Ford’s average doesn’t improve, his contributions in other categories make him valuable in points and roto leagues.

10: Jeferson Quero | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: MLB | Age: 22

Jeferson Quero missed the entire 2024 season due to a shoulder injury but remains a highly regarded defensive catcher. His minor league Gold Glove suggests he’ll get opportunities at the next level based on his defensive abilities alone. However, his 2023 season at AA, where he hit .262/.339/.441 with 16 home runs, impressed many evaluators. Quero is in the Gary Sanchez mold, showcasing plus power and consistent exit velocities over 100 mph. While primarily viewed as a defense-first player, Quero’s offensive potential shouldn’t be overlooked by fantasy baseball managers. He carries a career minor league strikeout rate around 17%, showing discipline at the plate. Quero’s free-swinging approach results in a 56% swing rate and a 12.5% swinging strike rate. Even so, his 78% contact rate or better remains above average for his profile. How Quero performs after recovering from labrum surgery will determine his trajectory, though a more selective approach would benefit him.

9: Thayron Liranzo | Detroit Tigers | Level: A+ | Age: 21

Thayron Liranzo struggled early in 2024 but excelled after being traded from the Dodgers to Detroit, hitting .315 with 5 home runs. He also walked more than he struck out, showing a noticeable improvement in plate discipline post-trade. Liranzo’s left-handed power is undeniable, but his dead-pull approach might face challenges at higher levels. After the trade, his adjustments worked, cutting his strikeout rate by 10% and increasing his walk rate to 22% in 115 plate appearances. As a 19-year-old at Low-A, Liranzo displayed consistent power, hitting 24 home runs and 24 doubles, highlighting his potential. While his strikeout rate hovered near 26% in the past, his 16% or better walk rate shows strong OBP skills. His contact rate rose significantly from 55% in the complex league to 74% with Detroit, showing consistent improvement. This coincided with a reduction in his swing rate, dropping from 56% to 34.4% at A+ West Michigan. Such deliberate changes to his approach led to excellent results in plate appearances post-trade. His success continued in the fall league, where he hit .375 with a .492 OBP. Liranzo is a low-cost catching option who could find at-bats at 1B or DH and continues to improve. If his 2025 improvements persist, the conversation about his potential could dramatically change.

8: Edgar Quero | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 21

Edgar Quero, a switch-hitting catcher from Cuba, has quietly emerged as a top prospect with significant movement in rankings. Over the past two seasons, he has made remarkable strides in approach, maturity, and plate discipline. Quero’s ability to control the strike zone is impressive, minimizing swing-and-miss and chase rates while maintaining a strong walk rate. At every level, Quero has kept his strikeout rate below 19% while walking 10% or more. In 2024, he played across two levels, hitting .280 with a solid .366 on-base percentage. At AA, he posted a 145 wRC+, one of the best marks at the level, and hit 15 home runs. Quero also drove in 70 runs, showing his ability to deliver in clutch situations. His pull-heavy approach (50% pull rate) didn’t hurt him, as he kept his swinging strike rate at 10%. At AAA, his 87% zone contact rate and 26% O-swing percentage were both impressive. Quero also demonstrated solid exit velocities, averaging 87.3 mph with a 106 mph Max EV. With Kyle Teel’s acquisition, playing time and positional battles will dictate Quero’s future role, making it a situation to monitor closely.

7: Josue Briceño | Detroit Tigers | Level: A | Age: 20

If you didn’t know Josue Briceño before the 2024 Arizona Fall League, don’t worry—you weren’t alone. Briceño not only put himself on the map but also won the AFL’s first-ever Triple Crown. He went ballistic, slashing .433/.509/.867 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in just 106 plate appearances. His prospect status had flown under the radar due to a PCL knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2024. The injury, though significant, didn’t require surgery, allowing him to return strong for the Fall League. Briceño had shown promise in 2023, hitting .325 with 7 home runs at rookie ball as an 18-year-old. He played only 11 games at Low-A Lakeland but hit 6 doubles, further showcasing his potential. Now 20, Briceño’s power could develop into 70-grade or better, cementing his status as an offensive force. He also boasts elite strikeout rates of around 14% and walk rates of 12% or better in Low-A. His 84% contact rate and 7.5% swinging strike rate in 2024 suggest a likely zone-contact rate near 90%. Even if Briceño moves to 1B or DH, his hitting profile should still thrive. I’m highly invested in watching his progression this season.

6: Drake Baldwin | Atlanta Braves | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Braves Minor League Prospect of the Year, Drake Baldwin, rose from their #23 prospect to their new #1 overall. Interestingly, Baldwin had a breakout in 2023 as well, but it went largely unnoticed. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft from Missouri State, Baldwin struggled initially at Low-A. He turned things around in 2023, advancing through three levels (A+ to AAA) in the Braves’ fast-track development system. His 2024 season began slowly, hitting .244/.313/.337 at AA, but everything clicked after his promotion to AAA. At AAA, Baldwin hit .298/.407/.484 with 12 home runs and 12 doubles, thanks to adjustments in pitch selection and approach. This improvement also resulted in an excellent 15.6%/16.2% walk-to-strikeout rate, among the best in AAA. Notably, his exit velocities stood out, with a 92.8 mph average EV and 112 mph Max EV, ranking top 10 at AAA. Baldwin was behind stars like Junior Caminero and Emmanuel Rodriguez but made his mark as an elite hitter. The Braves’ aggressive promotion style positions Baldwin for a possible MLB debut in 2025. He could be a significant fantasy contributor in both points and roto formats by late 2025 or early 2026.

5: Agustín Ramírez | Miami Marlins | Level: MLB | Age: 23

Agustín Ramírez had an outstanding season, excelling in counting stats and displaying impressive offensive skills across multiple categories. Built like a tank with strong legs and upper body, Ramírez hit 25 home runs and 26 doubles. Surprisingly, he also stole 22 bases, an unexpected feat for a player graded as a 30-speed runner. His 53 extra-base hits and 93 RBIs ranked among the best in the minors, despite struggling in his first AAA stint. Ramírez hit just .224 over 125 plate appearances at AAA but showed promise after adjusting post-trade. Following the Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade, he hit 5 home runs and drove in 24, showcasing his ability to step up. While his max-effort swing can lead to inconsistency, he maintained a solid 18.6% strikeout rate and 11% walk rate. He chases pitches outside the zone 26% of the time but managed a 10.6% swinging strike rate and 86% zone contact rate. Ramírez makes hard contact with a Max EV of 113 mph, placing him among the top minor league hitters. His 88.2 mph average EV suggests room for improvement in consistently barreling up the ball. With the Marlins in rebuild mode, Ramírez could earn at-bats at catcher, first base, or DH in 2025.

4: Kyle Teel | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 22

Dylan Crews, Wyatt Langford, and Nolan Schanuel debuted early, but Kyle Teel became one of 2023’s fastest-rising draft picks. Despite playing a position requiring more development, Teel found success and climbed quickly through the minors in his draft season. He dominated across levels, from rookie ball to AA, finishing with a .363/.483/.495 slash line before fantasy draft season 2024. Teel continued producing in 2024, hitting .299 at AA Portland with 11 home runs, 20 doubles, and 60 RBIs. His sound left-handed swing and advanced approach are tools scouts believe will translate well at the big-league level. Receiving 55-hit and 50-power grades, Teel is often praised for his intelligence and makeup, which are considered elite. He works walks effectively, maintaining a 13.5% walk rate, while limiting strikeouts to 23%, though that’s close to a concern. Now the White Sox #2 prospect, Teel posted solid exit velocity numbers with an 86.3 mph average EV and 110 mph Max EV. As the best all-around catcher in the minors, Teel appears the clear front-runner for the White Sox moving forward. However, Chicago’s poor team context could affect his points and roto value in fantasy leagues.

3: Moises Ballesteros | Chicago Cubs | Level: AAA | Age: 21

We don’t always follow rankings like MLB or Baseball America because of players like Moises Ballesteros, who challenge convention. Defensive-focused players like Carson Williams are ranked highly, while Ballesteros drops due to lacking a true position despite elite offense. Ballesteros won the Cubs Player of the Year award for the second straight year, reaching AAA at just 20 years old. He’s an exception to the rule, as his offensive prowess makes his position irrelevant, he can absolutely rake. Hitting .299/.372/.495 at AA with a 14.8% K rate is already impressive for a 20-year-old. He was then promoted to AAA, becoming one of the youngest players alongside stars like Jackson Holliday and Junior Caminero. At AAA, he hit .281 with 20 home runs and 15 doubles, maintaining an 84.3% zone contact rate and 10% swinging strike rate. Ballesteros consistently makes loud contact, reflected in his 105 mph 90th percentile EV and his .204 ISO against breaking balls. His only weakness is a 36.4% O-swing rate, likely stemming from his confidence in hitting nearly any pitch. The real question is how the Cubs fit him into their lineup. If you can acquire him before spring training, do it.

2: Dalton Rushing | Los Angeles Dodgers | Level: AAA | Age: 23

I’ve been following Dalton Rushing since scouting him at a college game in South Florida after he was drafted from Louisville. A late bloomer, Rushing sat behind Henry Davis for two years before showcasing his potential. His quick, efficient left-handed swing and advanced bat speed help him access his raw power consistently. In 2022, Rushing dominated Low-A, hitting .404 with a 1.263 OPS during his draft season. He struggled in 2023, hitting just .228 at A+, but still showed power and plate discipline. Rushing bounced back in 2024, hitting .271/.385/.512 with 26 home runs across AA and AAA. He’s improved every year, getting on base at a 15% rate through walks and hit-by-pitches, projecting as a high-OBP player. His batted-ball data is elite, with a 90.8 mph average EV, a 106 mph 90th percentile EV, and a 111 mph Max EV. Frequent loud contact, 48 extra-base hits, and strong on-base skills suggest Rushing could be a star in both points and roto leagues. Winning the Dodgers’ Player of the Year award in a loaded system highlights his talent. With experience in the outfield, Rushing’s catcher eligibility paired with potential everyday outfield play boosts his value in 2025.

1: Samuel Basallo | Baltimore Orioles | Level: AAA | Age: 20

Samuel Basallo’s 2023 performance as an 18-year-old was unprecedented, advancing from Low-A to AAA while improving at every level. Even in his brief AA stint, he hit an impressive .467 and didn’t look overmatched despite his age. Without a stress fracture in his elbow and a slow AA start, he might have debuted in the majors. Basallo reached AAA at just 19, a rare accomplishment shared by stars like Bryce Harper, Jackson Chourio, and Jackson Holliday. At 18, he hit .313 with 20 home runs and 53 extra-base hits during his stellar 2023 season. He followed that by hitting .289/.355/.465 at AA, adding 5 home runs and 21 RBIs before his AAA promotion. Basallo struggled in AAA, hitting .222 with an uncharacteristic 31% strikeout rate, compared to his career average of 19%. For perspective, Bryce Harper hit .245 at 19 in the same number of games during his AAA debut. Basallo stands out with both 60-grade hit and 70-grade power tools supported by his stats and batted-ball data. The lefty shows elite exit velocities, including a 106 mph 90th percentile EV, a 91.1 mph average EV, and a 110.3 Max EV. Most prospects in his EV range are 2-3 years older, further emphasizing his unique ability. Basallo’s “beyond his years” approach and elite makeup set him apart as a future superstar. No minor league player combines his level of contact and raw power, not even his teammate Coby Mayo. Basallo could force the Orioles’ hand in 2025, making him a player to watch.

Follow me on X: @ProspectsOnWes | Get an early start on your 2025 Draft Prep with the updated Top 500 Dynasty Rankings.

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