- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,560
- Reaction score
- 59
The MLB is through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. The season has seen hot starts from veterans and players entering the first few seasons of their careers. In the opening month of the season, it’s common for players to work their way into becoming locked in. However, as the months become warmer, players begin to perform at a higher level. Here are the top 10 catcher rankings heading into week three.
MORE: Ranking the 15 teams with the best chance to win the NBA Finals
May 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Langeliers has been on a tear to start the season. Hitting in the heart of the lineup, he’s had the early opportunity to drive in runs. The catcher will play a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the season.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year didn’t skip a beat to start this season. He’s leading Atlanta’s offense early in the season. Baldwin’s presence in the lineup will be a factor in the Braves’ rebound from last season’s letdown.
Hicks has been one of Miami’s best hitters this season. He’s turned into a must-start in the batting lineup. The Miami offense is seeing younger players blossom, and Liam Hicks is rising to the top.
Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) gestures to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Alvarez is doing damage out of the gate. He’s leading New York in home runs and total bases. A full season of health can allow the New York catcher to set career highs in every statistical category.
Dingler has started this season hot after last season’s performance. He’s become a reliable catching option for Detroit. Dingler is on pace to reach 20 home runs and 64 RBI.
Smith has produced hitting in the stacked Los Angeles lineup. After last season’s strong performance, he’s been one of the Dodgers’ best hitters through two weeks. If he stays healthy, he’s in line for another big season.
Fortes has provided Tampa Bay with early production at the plate. This can be the first season Fortes sees at-bats every day. The Tampa Bay catcher can be headed for a career year.
Jun 20, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) celebrates with catcher William Contreras (24) after scoring a run against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Contreras is finding success early in the season. In recent seasons, he’s been one of the league’s best offensive catchers. He will be in the hunt to represent the National League in this year’s All-Star game.
Injuries have plagued Amaya early in his career. This season, he’s healthy and producing. An entire season of health will make Amaya a mainstay in the Cubs’ lineup.
Perez entered the season a month shy of his 36th birthday. Still, he’s producing at a high level. His slash line has taken a hit in recent years, but he’s still providing power.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
MORE: Ranking the 15 teams with the best chance to win the NBA Finals
1. Shea Langaliers, Athletics
You must be registered for see images attach
May 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Langeliers has been on a tear to start the season. Hitting in the heart of the lineup, he’s had the early opportunity to drive in runs. The catcher will play a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the season.
2. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves
Last year’s Rookie of the Year didn’t skip a beat to start this season. He’s leading Atlanta’s offense early in the season. Baldwin’s presence in the lineup will be a factor in the Braves’ rebound from last season’s letdown.
3. Liam Hicks, Miami Marlins
Hicks has been one of Miami’s best hitters this season. He’s turned into a must-start in the batting lineup. The Miami offense is seeing younger players blossom, and Liam Hicks is rising to the top.
4. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
You must be registered for see images attach
Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) gestures to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Alvarez is doing damage out of the gate. He’s leading New York in home runs and total bases. A full season of health can allow the New York catcher to set career highs in every statistical category.
5. Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers
Dingler has started this season hot after last season’s performance. He’s become a reliable catching option for Detroit. Dingler is on pace to reach 20 home runs and 64 RBI.
6. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
Smith has produced hitting in the stacked Los Angeles lineup. After last season’s strong performance, he’s been one of the Dodgers’ best hitters through two weeks. If he stays healthy, he’s in line for another big season.
7. Nick Fortes, Tampa Bay Rays
Fortes has provided Tampa Bay with early production at the plate. This can be the first season Fortes sees at-bats every day. The Tampa Bay catcher can be headed for a career year.
8. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 20, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) celebrates with catcher William Contreras (24) after scoring a run against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Contreras is finding success early in the season. In recent seasons, he’s been one of the league’s best offensive catchers. He will be in the hunt to represent the National League in this year’s All-Star game.
9. Miguel Amaya, Chicago Cubs
Injuries have plagued Amaya early in his career. This season, he’s healthy and producing. An entire season of health will make Amaya a mainstay in the Cubs’ lineup.
10. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
Perez entered the season a month shy of his 36th birthday. Still, he’s producing at a high level. His slash line has taken a hit in recent years, but he’s still providing power.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...