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The start of this week in MLB had a lot at stake. GMs and front offices have been busy working on deals they hope will pave the way to a deep postseason run. Monday was the trade deadline, and several teams saw player movement. For most teams, acquisitions were made to chase a playoff berth while others brought in prospects for the future.
Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 catchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis
The veteran is having one of the better seasons of his career. He’s stayed consistent and raised his slash line in 2026. He’s become one of the better offensive catchers in MLB.
May 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Francisco Alvarez against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After the 2023 breakout campaign, Alvarez has had issues staying on the field. This season, the catcher is in line to finish with the second-most games played in his career. His bat will always carry 30-home run potential if he can stay on the field.
The rookie is having mixed results. His power is unmatched, but strikeouts are an issue. He will need to make offseason adjustments to become more consistent.
As with many rookies, Jensen has adjustments to make. He’s hit for power but has issues with swings-and-misses. However, Kansas City has a capable catcher in Carter Jensen.
Jun 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) shakes hands with catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) after the victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Moreno is having a career year. By the end of the season, he will have new career-best marks in hits, home runs, RBI, and slash line. Entering the week, he ranks fifth in OPS among MLB catchers.
MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal
All is well in Milwaukee. The Brewers lead the NL Central and Contreras is playing a factor in the team’s success. Entering the week, William Contreras ranks first in hits among MLB catchers.
Before going down with a season-ending meniscus injury, Langeliers was heading for a second consecutive season with 30 home runs. Unfortunately, this milestone will not be reached. To make matters worse, the team was looking to move the catcher at the trade deadline.
Dingler has followed up last season’s successful campaign with better numbers. He can reach 30 home runs by the end of the season. Entering the week, the Tiger backstop ranks second in home runs among MLB catchers.
May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) hits a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Baldwin has played a big role for the first-place Atlanta Braves. He surpassed last season’s rookie total of 19 home runs. He has quickly developed into one of the game’s premier catchers.
Last season, Goodman took the league by storm. This season, he’s putting together another solid campaign. Entering the week, he leads MLB catchers in home runs.
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Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 catchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis
10. Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals
The veteran is having one of the better seasons of his career. He’s stayed consistent and raised his slash line in 2026. He’s become one of the better offensive catchers in MLB.
9. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
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May 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Francisco Alvarez against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After the 2023 breakout campaign, Alvarez has had issues staying on the field. This season, the catcher is in line to finish with the second-most games played in his career. His bat will always carry 30-home run potential if he can stay on the field.
8. Samuel Basallo, Baltimore Orioles
The rookie is having mixed results. His power is unmatched, but strikeouts are an issue. He will need to make offseason adjustments to become more consistent.
7. Carter Jensen, Kansas City Royals
As with many rookies, Jensen has adjustments to make. He’s hit for power but has issues with swings-and-misses. However, Kansas City has a capable catcher in Carter Jensen.
6. Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks
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Jun 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) shakes hands with catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) after the victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Moreno is having a career year. By the end of the season, he will have new career-best marks in hits, home runs, RBI, and slash line. Entering the week, he ranks fifth in OPS among MLB catchers.
MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal
5. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
All is well in Milwaukee. The Brewers lead the NL Central and Contreras is playing a factor in the team’s success. Entering the week, William Contreras ranks first in hits among MLB catchers.
4. Shea Langeliers, Athletics
Before going down with a season-ending meniscus injury, Langeliers was heading for a second consecutive season with 30 home runs. Unfortunately, this milestone will not be reached. To make matters worse, the team was looking to move the catcher at the trade deadline.
3. Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers
Dingler has followed up last season’s successful campaign with better numbers. He can reach 30 home runs by the end of the season. Entering the week, the Tiger backstop ranks second in home runs among MLB catchers.
2. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves
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May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) hits a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Baldwin has played a big role for the first-place Atlanta Braves. He surpassed last season’s rookie total of 19 home runs. He has quickly developed into one of the game’s premier catchers.
1. Hunter Goodman, Colorado Rockies
Last season, Goodman took the league by storm. This season, he’s putting together another solid campaign. Entering the week, he leads MLB catchers in home runs.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
