2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep Catcher Tiers 2.0: Tiered rankings for a position abounding in new talent
CBS Sports
by
Scott White
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The historically weak catcher position has seen an unprecedented surge in talent for the 2026 Fantasy Baseball season, making it one of the deepest positions to date. This influx of skilled players gives fantasy drafters a unique advantage, as they can now approach the catcher tier with more confidence and flexibility. The tiers categorize catchers into Elite, Near-Elite, Next-Best Things, Fallback Options, Last Resorts, and Leftovers, offering a clear roadmap for drafting strategies.
The "Elite" category is headlined by Cal Raleigh, known for his consistent performance and ability to impact games both offensively and defensively. Following closely are Hunter Goodman, William Contreras, Ben Rice, and Shea Langeliers, all of whom bring their own strengths to the table. These top-tier catchers set the standard for what teams can expect from their starting catcher.
The "Near-Elite" group includes Will Smith, Agustin Ramirez, Salvador Perez, and Drake Baldwin, who are slightly behind the leaders but still formidable options. The "Next-Best Things" tier features Adley Rutschman and others, offering solid contributions while maintaining a competitive edge. Even the "Fallback Options" and beyond provide viable choices, with players like Samuel Basallo and Yainer Diaz ready to step up when needed.
This depth at catcher is a game-changer for fantasy teams. In 12-team leagues requiring only one catcher, drafters can afford to pick later without sacrificing quality, ensuring a strong lineup even if top-tier catchers are already off the board. The abundance of talent also means that teams have more flexibility in their drafting strategies, allowing them to focus on other positions while knowing they can still find a reliable catcher.
For fantasy sports enthusiasts, this development is significant because it shifts the dynamics of draft prep and team building. With so many quality catchers available, the pressure to land one of the top-tier options is lessened, enabling more strategic decisions throughout the draft process. This ensures that teams can build well-rounded rosters without compromising on key positions.
In summary, the 2026 catcher class is a testament to the ongoing evolution of fantasy baseball, where data-driven insights and tiered rankings help players make informed decisions. The depth at this position not only enhances team-building strategies but also adds another layer of excitement and competition to fantasy drafts.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026