fantasy baseball · player rankings
Fantasy Baseball toughest catchers to rank for 2027: Cal Raleigh leads a volatile catcher position
Published · Updated
Cited: CBS Sports, Lookout Landing, Athletics Nation
TL;DR
As the 2026 MLB season winds down, Fantasy Baseball managers are already casting an eye toward 2027 drafts. One position stands out as particularly tricky to project: catcher. CBS Sports' Chris Towers recently highlighted the toughest catchers to rank for 2027, with Cal Raleigh leading a volatile group.
Why now
As the 2026 MLB season winds down, Fantasy Baseball managers are already casting an eye toward 2027 drafts. One position stands out as particularly tricky to project: catcher. CBS Sports' Chris Towers recently highlighted the toughest catchers to rank for 2027, with Cal Raleigh leading a volatile group.
Agree / conflict
Catcher volatility: Catchers take longer to develop, have shorter peaks, and are prone to injuries and sudden declines, making them the hardest position to rank. Post-All-Star slump: At the break, five catchers were top-100 overall players; since then, only three remain, with Drake Baldwin, Hunter Goodman, and William Contreras being consistent. Cal Raleigh's regression: After a historic 2025, Raleigh suffered the worst full season of his career, but his underlying power skills remain intact, making him a top-10 catcher for 2027.
Takeaway
Draft for upside, but manage risk: Catchers like Raleigh and Basallo offer high ceilings, but be prepared for volatility. Pair them with a reliable backup. Watch for post-hype values: Raleigh and Dingler could fall in drafts, offering potential bargains.
Why this matters: Getting catcher rankings right can make or break a Fantasy draft, especially with catchers likely to be drafted higher than usual in 2027.
The catcher position has always been a Fantasy enigma. Unlike other hitters, catchers face immense physical demands that often lead to attrition. This season exemplified that: early on, the position seemed to be in a renaissance, with five catcher-eligible players ranked among the top-100 overall.
Cal Raleigh is the poster child for catcher volatility. Coming off a historic 2025, he regressed dramatically in 2026, but his quality of contact and pulled-air skills remain elite. Recurring oblique injuries may have hampered him early, and the pressure of following up a historic season could have played a role.
FAQ
Why are catchers so hard to rank in Fantasy Baseball?
Catchers develop slower, have shorter peaks, and are more prone to injuries and sudden performance drops due to the physical demands of the position. This makes their production unpredictable.
Should I draft Cal Raleigh in 2027?
Yes, Raleigh is still a top-10 catcher with 40-homer upside. His 2026 regression was likely due to injuries and pressure, and his underlying skills remain strong. He could be a value pick.
What happened to Dillon Dingler's breakout season?
Dingler had 19 homers by the All-Star break but has since collapsed, hitting .123/.171/.175 since July 1. His expected stats and exit velocity have worsened, making him a risky pick.
Is Samuel Basallo worth the hype?
Basallo is only 22 and has shown 30-homer upside, but his plate discipline is a concern. He's a high-upside pick, but expect some inconsistency.
Which catcher is the safest pick for 2027?
William Contreras has been consistent, ranking as a top-120 player in both halves. He's a safe bet, though his ceiling may be lower than others.
Sources
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