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The 2026 season is through three weeks. Numerous players are off to hot starts, while others are still working on timing and rhythm. The biggest stories are the players that come out of nowhere and have tremendous starts to their season. Here are the top 10 catcher power rankings heading into week four.
MORE: MLB insider Buster Olney ranks the top 5 free agent signings ever
Sep 24, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) strikes out while batting against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Baldwin continues to lead Atlanta’s offense. He’s been the driving force for the team’s early-season success. He’s on his way to another strong season after winning last season’s NL Rookie of the Year.
Langeliers’ hot start continues. He’s made the most of his opportunities to drive in runs. The catcher has been the team’s best hitter through three weeks.
Alvarez is making pitchers pay through three weeks. He’s leading New York in nearly all offensive categories. If he stays healthy, he will have 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
The injury bug is hitting Milwaukee’s offense early. However, Contreras continues to produce. The Brewers are relying on their All-Star catcher early in the season.
Enough can’t be said about one of Miami’s best hitters this season. Hicks has become a main producer in the Marlins’ lineup. The Miami offense is seeing younger players blossom, and Liam Hicks is rising to the top.
Dingler is continuing to produce after having a big season in 2025. The Tigers aren’t starting as well as they’d like, but Dingler is keeping them in contention with his offensive prowess. Another strong season will see him become a household name.
Fortes has provided Tampa Bay with early production at the plate. This is the first season Fortes has received consistent playing time. The Tampa Bay catcher is headed for a career year.
Oct 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman (25) runs home to score on a double by catcher Will Smith (16) in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game six of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Smith is the beneficiary of hitting in a stacked Los Angeles lineup. He’s having success early and often in games. By season’s end, Will Smith will be a top-five catcher.
He may have started slowly, but Goodman is starting to heat up. Last season, the Colorado backstop made his first All-Star team. He is aiming to make his second consecutive All-Star team.
Raleigh was the league’s best catcher last season. He is off to a slow start but is figuring things out. It’s only a matter of time before he starts producing similar numbers to last season.
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MORE: MLB insider Buster Olney ranks the top 5 free agent signings ever
1. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves
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Sep 24, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) strikes out while batting against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Baldwin continues to lead Atlanta’s offense. He’s been the driving force for the team’s early-season success. He’s on his way to another strong season after winning last season’s NL Rookie of the Year.
2. Shea Langaliers, Athletics
Langeliers’ hot start continues. He’s made the most of his opportunities to drive in runs. The catcher has been the team’s best hitter through three weeks.
3. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
Alvarez is making pitchers pay through three weeks. He’s leading New York in nearly all offensive categories. If he stays healthy, he will have a career year.
4. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
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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
The injury bug is hitting Milwaukee’s offense early. However, Contreras continues to produce. The Brewers are relying on their All-Star catcher early in the season.
5. Liam Hicks, Miami Marlins
Enough can’t be said about one of Miami’s best hitters this season. Hicks has become a main producer in the Marlins’ lineup. The Miami offense is seeing younger players blossom, and Liam Hicks is rising to the top.
6. Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers
Dingler is continuing to produce after having a big season in 2025. The Tigers aren’t starting as well as they’d like, but Dingler is keeping them in contention with his offensive prowess. Another strong season will see him become a household name.
7. Nick Fortes, Tampa Bay Rays
Fortes has provided Tampa Bay with early production at the plate. This is the first season Fortes has received consistent playing time. The Tampa Bay catcher is headed for a career year.
8. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Oct 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman (25) runs home to score on a double by catcher Will Smith (16) in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game six of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Smith is the beneficiary of hitting in a stacked Los Angeles lineup. He’s having success early and often in games. By season’s end, Will Smith will be a top-five catcher.
9. Hunter Goodman, Colorado Rockies
He may have started slowly, but Goodman is starting to heat up. Last season, the Colorado backstop made his first All-Star team. He is aiming to make his second consecutive All-Star team.
10. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Raleigh was the league’s best catcher last season. He is off to a slow start but is figuring things out. It’s only a matter of time before he starts producing similar numbers to last season.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...