The Dynasty Guru recently released its annual consensus rankings of the top 50 dynasty league catchers (#1-20 and #21-50). While the top 50 detailed several prospects, the following rankings focus solely on–and dive deeper into–fantasy catcher prospects.

Catcher is a surprisingly deep position. Due to the learning curve and physical toll, however, catching prospects carry enormous risk and require patience. Only 4-6 catching prospects deserve a roster spot in shallower leagues, but in deeper leagues identifying impact catchers is vital.

Before delving into the rankings, here is a brief explanation of fantasy tool grades:

A Guide to Fantasy Tools

Publicly-available scouting reports and past production make up a player’s “grades” for each of his skills. Those grades help anticipate a player’s ceiling, which, in turn, helps assess value. For fantasy purposes, only a few grades matter.

Average Hit Tool: The fantasy hit tool is a mixture of contact (batting average) and plate discipline (walk percentage/on-base percentage, or OBP). In a 16-team dynasty league, the average batting average and on-base percentage is approximately .265 and .335, respectively. A well-disciplined player’s fantasy hit tool plays up a grade higher than otherwise expected. A change to a hit tool grade increases or decreases those averages by approximately .015 (i.e., an above-average hitter produces a batting average and on-base percentage of approximately .280 and .350, respectively).

Average Power Tool:  The fantasy power tool weighs realized or in-game power against potential or raw power. In a 16-team dynasty league, the league-average isolated power is approximately .175, which translates to approximately 20 home runs per season. A change to a power tool grade increases or decreases by approximately .025 for isolated power.

Speed Bonus:  The speed bonus only applies to players anticipated to accumulated stolen bases. Each incremental bonus accounts for approximately 10 stolen bases. For example, a player with a speed bonus of 5 likely will accumulate approximately 10-15 stolen bases.

Risk:  Risk considers a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to, fielding, level, opportunity, industry reputation, age, and injury history. In fantasy, fielding is only relevant to the extent it facilitates or hinders opportunity and eligibility.

Without further ado, the 2018 Top Fantasy Catcher Prospects:

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Francisco Mejia boasts a potentially plus fantasy hit tool; he can flat-out hit. In 2016, Mejia accrued a 50-game hitting streak across Low-A and High-A, which was the longest minor league hitting streak in 62 years. Last year, Mejia continued mashing in Double-A at just 21 years old. Despite struggling in July and August, Mejia rebounded nicely over 15 games in the Arizona Fall League.

Entering 2018, Mejia arguably is ready for a major-league trial. Unfortunately for Mejia, the Indians are currently satisfied with the tandem of Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez (who are perfectly league-average, and both under contract through at least 2019). This competent tandem even led the Indians to experiment with Mejia at third base in the Arizona Fall League. By all accounts, Mejia is a mixed bag defensively at third base and is still learning the position. Despite mediocre fielding at present, Mejia likely profiles as an average defender at both catcher and third base due to a cannon for an arm.

Nevertheless, a crowded Indians’ roster likely limits Mejia’s opportunities in the short-term, even at third base. Mejia likely will spend the majority of 2018 in Triple-A and remains a prime trade candidate for the Indians.

Peak Projection: .300/.350/.460, 10-15 home runs

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Signed by the Texas Rangers as a 16-year-old way back in 2010, a lot of prospect fatigue surrounds Alfaro. However, he now heads the Phillies’ three-headed catching attack. After receiving a promotion in August, Alfaro led all Phillies’ catchers in games started and impressed with a .318/.360/.514 line.

While he may never again hit for a .300+ batting average again, the power he displayed is very real. In fact, Alfaro likely is just touching the surface of his huge raw power, even if a questionable hit tool and low contact rate may limit its ceiling. Additionally, Alfaro’s defensive profile is at least average, buoyed by great arm strength.

Between his power, his rocket arm, and anticipated playing time, Alfaro is ready to produce at the major league level now.

Peak Projection: .250/.300/.465, 25-30 home runs

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Like Alfaro, Chance Sisco is likely to open the season as a major league starter. However, that is about where the comparisons end. Sisco is a patient, hit-first catcher. Luckily for him, his left-handed swing, and his below-average power, his home park of Camden Yards (and its short right field) is perennially a top 10 hitters’ park.

Sisco continues to improve defensively, but concerns about his arm strength remain. He only threw out 21% of base-stealers (including 0 of 5 in the majors) on the year, but improved to 41% after the All-Star Break.

Sisco likely enters this year as the strong-side of a platoon with Caleb Joseph. This is an ideal situation for Sisco (and the Orioles) as Sisco historically struggles against left-handed pitchers.

Peak Projection: .270/.350/.420, 10-15 home runs

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During his brief professional career, Keibert Ruiz has done nothing but hit, amassing a career slash of .330/.372/.461 over 815 plate appearances. His reward for tearing up the Midwest League was an aggressive High-A promotion 11 days before his 19th birthday. Ruiz not only held his own in the California League, but performed as well as the top hitters (despite being the youngest player in the League). Between the two levels, Ruiz impressively struck out only 53 times in 411 plate appearance, or 12.9%.

Ruiz is a switch-hitter whose his strength is clearly from the left-side–all of his home runs come from the left-side. At present, Ruiz possesses below-average power and his contact-oriented approach produces low, hard line drives.

Although Ruiz is still very young, he is already an advanced defender. Expect Ruiz to continue his rapid ascension through the Dodgers’ minor league system, likely reaching Double-A next year.

Peak Projection: .290/.330/.445, 10-15 home runs

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The White Sox drafted Zack Collins tenth overall in the 2016 Amateur Draft as an advanced college bat. Instead of knocking down the door to the majors, Collins is slowly progressing through the minors.

With a walk percentage (18%), a fly ball percentage (48%), and a strikeout percentage (27%) all well above-average, Collins represents the prototypical three true outcomes player. This type of player is valuable, especially at catcher, but less so at first base or designated hitter. Here is where the risk lies, as the question of Collins’ future defensive home remains open. Regrettably, Collins continues to struggle behind the plate, committing 11 errors and permitting 16 passed balls last year. On the bright side, Collins threw out 39% of base runners. After two years without defensive progress, Collins needs to make strides this year in Double-A.

Peak Projection: .240/.360/.460, 25-30 home runs

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Despite a late start to his catching career (2014), Kelly is arguably the best defensive catcher on this list (but see Jake Rogers below). Kelly’s defensive prowess rightfully receives a lot of press, but he is quietly developing into an offensive threat.

Over the past two years, Kelly refined his approach at the plate. Kelly was always a contact hitter, but he improved the quality of his contact and began driving the ball in 2016. Last year, Kelly took another step forward by driving the ball more consistently and tapping into his raw power. With that said, Kelly still makes far too much weak contact. In those same two years, Kelly had infield fly ball percentages over 22% and a boat-load of soft pull-side groundouts.

Luckily for Kelly’s development, Yadier Molina is under contract through 2020. Unless the Cardinals trade Kelly, he likely will operate as the strict backup to Molina with slightly more playing time each year. Assuming Molina is healthy and productive, Kelly will not see significant playing time until his age-27 season.

Peak Projection: .265/.325/.425, 10-15 home runs

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Jansen improved his already-excellent plate discipline in 2017 and, as a result, took more walks than strikeouts, rocketing from High-A to Triple A. He will likely debut sometime in 2018 on the strength of that breakout.

The most apparent change for Jansen is that he can now see, as Jansen began wearing glasses in the fall of 2016. Less apparent is that Jansen drastically changed his batted ball profile.  Jansen consistently hit fly balls over half the time prior to 2017, but he flipped the script last year and lowered his fly ball percentage by nearly 20% and increasing his ground ball percentage by over 15%. In turn, Jansen found more success on balls in play. However, Jansen is extremely pull-heavy and continues to make a lot of weak contact. Defensively, he is solid, but his arm is currently below-average.

Peak Projection: .270/.360/.430, 10-15 home runs

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Although Carson Kelly receives far more attention than Andrew Knizner, Knizner arguably has more offensive potential. Jumping from Low-A all the way to Double-A last year, Knizner was the top performing catcher in the Texas League.

Knizner employs a controlled, all-fields approach with a quick bat and solid power. In addition, Knizner quieted doubts regarding his ability to stay behind the plate, limiting errors and passed balls while throwing out 23 of 51 base runners (45%). Similar to Kelly, Knizner is blocked for the next couple years. Knizner will continue to develop in Triple-A this year and will likely debut in 2019.

Peak Projection: .275/.320/.435, 10-15 home runs

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The son of former major leaguer Gary Varsho, Daulton Varsho was one of several intriguing bats at catcher in the 2017 Amateur Draft. What sets Varsho apart from others in his draft class is his athleticism. Varsho possesses above-average-to-plus speed, which provides several fallback options if catcher does not work out. With below-average arm strength and small stature, however, questions surrounding Varsho’s future position will haunt his professional career.

At the plate, Varsho has plus bat speed that generates solid, all-fields contact with some pop. Varsho is a rare fantasy catcher that could produce a 15/15 season down the line. As a college bat, Varsho likely will begin next season in High-A.

Peak Projection: .275/.325/.440, 15-20 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

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A 2016 third round pick of the Houston Astros, Jake Rogers was one of three prospects acquired by the Tigers in the Justin Verlander trade. Widely-regarded as an elite defensive catcher, Rogers is an excellent receiver and blocker with a quick, accurate release. Last year, Rogers turned 10 double plays and threw out 31 of 68 base stealers (45.6%).

Likely to make the majors on the strength of his superb defense, Rogers is also beginning to find his stroke. Rogers quietly tallied 47 extra-base hits between Low-A and High-A last year, including 18 home runs. Meanwhile, Rogers demonstrates a patient hitting approach (12% BB%), allowing his below-average hit tool to play up. With newly drafted Joey Morgan and Sam McMillan likely to occupy Low-A and High-A next year, Rogers is set to begin the season in Double-A.

Peak Projection: .240/.330/.420, 15-20 home runs

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Drafted sixth overall by the Mariners in the 2014 Amateur Draft, Alex Jackson was a popular early pick in prospect drafts. Three years later, the Mariners discarded Jackson for two fringy pitchers and the Braves moved Jackson back to catcher. Jackson is now in Double-A and still flashes tantalizing power, but continues to struggle with contact. On defense, Jackson shows some promise, but still has a long way to go to be serviceable (12 errors and 7 passed balls in 56 games).

Peak Projection: .235/.300/.450, 20-25 home runs

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Victor Caratini is a professional hitter, spraying line drives and hard grounders all over the field. Since Caratini does not elevate the ball very much, he is unlikely to produce much game power. Although his bat is ready, and he is passable defensively, Caratini is a part-time player for the foreseeable future.

Peak Projection: .280/.350/.405, 5-10 home runs

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Another former early first round pick, Stephenson suffered two consecutive injury-shortened seasons. Before his thumb injury last year, Stephenson was experiencing a mini-breakout in Low-A. Stephenson retains significant upside due to good on-base ability and latent raw power.

Peak Projection: .250/.330/.430, 15-20 home runs

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Drafted fourteen picks ahead of Jake Rogers in the third round of the 2016 Amateur Draft, Sean Murphy found similar success last year. Murphy reached Double-A last year on the strength of a .297/.343/.527 line in High-A California League. Unfortunately, Murphy struggled in Double-A, failing to get to his raw power and suffering some bad luck (.232 BABIP). After the season, however, Murphy impressed in the Arizona Fall League (.309/.413/.368). Murphy’s true ability lies somewhere in-between his production in High-A and Double-A. Meanwhile, as an above-average defensive catcher with a strong arm, Murphy is almost a lock to stick at catcher.

Peak Projection: .260/.325/.420, 10-15 home runs

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With Matt Wieters a free agent after this year, Raudy Read is the likely internal replacement. Read is a disciplined hitter and produces plenty of line drives while managing his strikeouts. At times, Read sacrifices power for contact and creates a fair amount of easy outs. Read does display above-average raw power and it started to translate into games last year. On defense, Read is too immobile, and his blocking and receiving skills are sub-par.

February 7, 2018 Update: Read received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Peak Projection: .260/.305/.435, 15-20 home runs

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Last year, Tom Murphy suffered a fractured forearm in Spring Training and played in only 50 games. Turning 27 shortly after Opening Day, Murphy is entering his prime without a clear path to playing time. The Rockies signed Chris Iannetta to a two-year contract in December, likely relegating Murphy to another year at Triple-A. Murphy’s above-average power plays to plus in the thin air of Coors and its affiliates. However, he continues to struggle with contact and piles up strikeouts.

As a mediocre (but not terrible) defender, Murphy has less leeway if he struggles at the plate. Murphy’s value would jump if he were to grab hold of the starting job for the Rockies, but that is looking less and less likely.

Peak Projection: .240/.300/.450, 20-25 home runs

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Leading all minor league catchers in home runs last year, Eric Haase has above-average to plus power to all fields. Like Collins above, Haase is a three true outcomes player with less walks and more strike outs. Defensively, Haase improved dramatically over the past few years to pair his strong arm with passable fielding. Haase likely will continue to follow Francisco Mejia up the ladder, moving to Triple-A this year. Mejia will receive the first shot at the Majors (Haase is not on the Indians’ 40-man roster), but do not sleep on Haase as a potential fantasy contributor.

Peak Projection: .230/.320/.430, 20-25 home runs

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The oldest prospect on this list, Mitch Garver finally saw major league time late last year. Garver has always been an advanced and disciplined hitter, and he reached his raw power in games more often last year. Garver is unlikely to hit for a lot of game power as he is chiefly a line-drive, all-fields hitter (akin to Caratini, above). Set to backup Jason Castro this year, Garver is an injury away from immediate relevance. With Castro’s contract expiring after 2019, Garver could establish himself as the catcher of the immediate future for the Twins.

Peak Projection: .265/.345/.415, 10-15 home runs

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Prior to last year, few predicted much power from Will Smith. Selected 32nd overall in the 2016 Amateur Draft on the strength of his defensive ability, Smith proved his glove is not the only weapon in his arsenal. Smith hit for surprising power, totaling 29 extra-base hits in just 72 games, before breaking his hand in July. Smith hit a ton of fly balls (53%), likely leading to his power surge. In addition, Smith is a patient hitter and makes more contact than his 23% strikeout rate suggests. Although Keibert Ruiz likely passed Smith on the Dodgers’ catching depth chart, Smith remains competitive for the Dodgers’ catcher of the future.

Peak Projection: .235/.345/.390, 10-15 home runs

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After the All-Star Break last year, Austin Allen hit .309/.362/.574 with 35 extra-base hits, including 17 home runs, in just 67 games. For context, Allen hit more home runs in the second half than all but 6 other catchers hit for the entire season!  In addition, Allen can hit for more than power, hitting the ball hard to all fields and exhibiting good discipline. Allen is a hit-first catcher, however, with a poor arm and mediocre fielding ability.

Peak Projection: .270/.330/.455, 15-20 home runs

The Best of the Rest

The 2018 Catcher Sleepers

The following prospects may rise significantly with strong showings in 2018. Each has immense upside, but each is also years away from the majors.

William Contreras, Atlanta Braves: The younger brother of Willson Contreras, William shows excellent promise at the plate with a potentially superb hit tool. Contreras-the-younger is the definition of an all-fields approach, spraying most of his contact the opposite way.

Ronaldo Hernandez, Tampa Bay Rays: Hernandez posted some gaudy numbers the past two seasons, including a sexy .332/.382/.507 batting line last year in the Appalachian League. Hernandez also boast a deadly arm, throwing out an incredible 56% of runners as a pro. Like Contreras, Hernandez creates a lot of hard contact with a promising hit tool.

M.J. Melendez, Kansas City Royals: The second catcher selected in the 2017 Amateur Draft, Melendez draws rave reviews for his defense and athleticism. Although he has elite bat speed, Melendez has a long way to go at the plate. If Melendez develops as a hitter, he will fly up prospect rankings.

Andy Yerzy, Arizona Diamondbacks: A second round pick in 2016, Yerzy has big power. Although the hitter-friendly Pioneer League buoyed much of his 2017 production, Yerzy, just 19, exhibited better than expected discipline and his power was on display. Yerzy is still extremely raw defensively, but such power at catcher is rare.

Close to the Show: The 40-Man Roster Catcher

Expect several of the following players to see time in the majors this year. Injuries or under-performance at the major league level could elevate several to starting jobs.

Meibrys Viloria, Kansas City Royals: Viloria followed up his spectacular 2016 season with a solid all-around performance in Low-A. Viloria makes hard, gap-to-gap contact, but drives too many balls into the ground to capitalize on his natural power.

Aramis Garcia, San Francisco Giants: After a lost season in 2016 due to facial fractures, Garcia is a year behind in his development. Repeating High-A, Garcia launched 17 home runs and impressed in his brief time at Double-A Richmond, a difficult place to hit. Garcia could surprise if ever given the chance in the majors, as he’s got borderline-average hitting ability and power. Unfortunately, Buster Posey exists.

Tomas Nido, New York Mets: The highlight of Nido’s 2017 season was a 2-for-2 showing in the Futures Game. The rest of the season was a struggle. Despite the rough season, Nido still profiles as a competent, but light, hitter. On the positive side, Nido now looks likely to provide average defense.

Jacob Nottingham, Milwaukee Brewers: After breaking out in 2015, Nottingham toiled in Double-A for two straight seasons. But there is some hope here: Nottingham struck out less, walked more, hit for a little more power, and made progress behind the plate. Entering 2018, Nottingham likely moves to the rarefied air of Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Jose Trevino, Texas Rangers: Trevino is a high contact hitter; unfortunately, a lot of that contact is weak. As an excellent defensive catcher, Trevino is highly likely to have a long major league career. Leave Trevino for the deepest of leagues.

Close to the Show: The High-A and Above Catcher

The road for catching prospects is long and winding. These prospects are one step closer, already reaching High-A and, in some cases, beyond.

Brett Cumberland, Atlanta Braves: Interesting fact, Cumberland led the minor leagues with a crazy 41 HBP (9% of plate appearances)!  Last year, Cumberland reached base by hit-by-pitch or walk in 20% of his plate appearances. This rate is hardly sustainable, but even with a regression, Cumberland is an on-base machine. Add some pop to the mix and Cumberland becomes a unique three true outcome performer.

Garrett Stubbs, Houston Astros: Stubbs took a large step back last year. Stubbs is a disciplined, high contact, line drive hitter with nominal power whose bat lags behind his admittedly great glove.

Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels: A 2015 first rounder, Ward performed well across High-A and Double-A. Ward pairs his excellent approach and patience (14.5 BB%) with high contact. Without much power, however, Ward will never turn the heads of many fantasy owners.

Chase Vallot, Kansas City Royals: Arguably the riskiest player on this list, Vallot is an extreme three true outcome hitter and a terrible defender. Vallot is also pull-heavy and fly ball-heavy. That power, though . . .

Max Pentecost, Toronto Blue Jays:  Pentecost returned to part-time catching last year after the Jays limited him to designated hitter in 2016 while he recovered from a torn right labrum. Long-lauded for his hitting ability and athleticism, Pentecost stills shows much of the same promise that made him an early first round pick. The Jays, however, did not protect Pentecost from the Rule 5 draft and, of course, Pentecost recently left the AFL due to…wait for it…right shoulder discomfort.

The 2017 Catcher Draftees

Besides Varsho and Melendez, the 2017 Amateur Draft included many intriguing catching prospects, from advanced college bats to raw teenagers. Here are the most interesting options.

Luis Campusano, San Diego Padres: The first catcher selected, Campusano, just 19 years old, is extremely green. Possessing a power bat and arm with defensive chops, Campusano profiles well at catcher long-term. Extremely early results indicate a solid approach as well.

Riley Adams, Toronto Blue Jays: The second catcher selected by the Blue Jays, Adams is a polished, well-rounded catcher. Projecting well on both sides of the ball, Adams could develop into an above-average offensive threat if he taps into his raw power more.

K.J. Harrison, Milwaukee Brewers: On the surface, Harrison’s professional debut was loud, hitting .308/.388/.546 and mashing 10 home runs. Like Yerzy above, however, Harrison enjoyed the hitter-friendly Pioneer League and performed adequately as a college bat. Harrison is a low contact, power hitter with uncertain defensive abilities after playing primarily in the infield in college. Anticipate a slow march through the system for Harrison as he adjusts to catching full-time.

Connor Wong, Los Angeles Dodgers: Teeming with catching prospects, the Dodgers aggressively assigned Wong to Low-A following the draft and Wong impressed. With speed (26 stolen bases in college) and some power, Wong is a potential 10/10 or better hitter. Although athletic, Wong is a below-average defender with questionable hitting ability.

Matt Whatley, Texas Rangers: Whatley pairs his tremendous defense with a patient hitting approach. As a line-drive hitter with decent power, Whatley performed well in his first professional exposure, quelling some concerns following a slump-ridden Junior year.

Sam McMillan, Detroit Tigers: The Tigers loaded up on catching prospects last summer by trading for Jake Rogers and by drafting Joey Morgan and McMillan. Signing McMillan to a well-over-slot $1 million, he did not disappoint. McMillan showed exceptional plate discipline for an 18-year-old, with more walks than strikeouts, and defensive competence belying his age.