THE DYNASTY GURU’S 2022 TOP 40 DYNASTY LEAGUE CATCHERS, #11-20

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Without further ado, it’s time to begin our 2021 consensus rankings by looking at the league’s top-10 finest catchers in dynasty leagues. A few names reign supreme in the wasteland of fantasy catcher, but between a bunch of young studs emerging along with some stable vets, catcher is actually interesting and getting more and more so every year!
11. Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 25)
Keibert Ruiz was blessed this year to get off the Dodgers, and that’s not just me talking about that cursed land. Ruiz needed to do magical work with his bat to claw his way into that Dodger lineup to oust Will Smith, and with that team always fighting for their next World Series ring not many chances were going to be given to the 23-year-old. The Nationals, however, gave ample opportunity to their new trade piece and he returned with some pretty solid numbers. A .284 average and .348 obp isn’t too bad for his first 23 games on his new team, although his .395 slugging is representative of his much needed increase in power. It is a great start to what could be his job to lose for quite some time. With so many split timeshare catchers in the league, Ruiz could be the answer for your team as a solid plug and play catcher. (Griffen Case)
12. Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 25, Previous Rank: 18)
Ok I know what you are thinking, 12 is a little low for someone THAT COULD PUT UP #1 CATCHER STATS. I apologize, I said that a little aggressively, but in all honesty buy Stephenson when you can. He is still relatively cheap, and could lock down your catcher spot for multiple years in a great hitters park. The 25-year-old had to platoon with Barnhart last year due to the veteran having a couple gold gloves under his belt, but rest assured that is no longer a threat. IF the Reds give Stephenson his much deserved chance for the reins behind the plate, expect very serviceable numbers much like the ones that he has already produced. Being able to play first base to keep his bat in the line up makes his .366 OBP and .797 OPS very desirable. Maybe we will see those numbers fly up with some added consistency to his schedule without Barnhart this year. (Griffen Case)
13. Henry Davis, Pittsburgh Pirates, (Age: 22, Previous Rank: Unranked)
The 2021 #1 pick of the MLB draft will have to endure some more time in the minors, but the draft capital used to acquire him may expedite the process. With an unfortunate right oblique strain that cut his season short in High-A ball there was not a whole lot of progress he was able to make this past year. The Pirates did, however, show confidence in their future backstop by allowing him to go straight to high A ball. The Pirates have a lot of work to do with their team, so Davis could be a much needed upgrade when he gets the call. Hold on tight to the 22-year-old, he could rise up the rankings very fast. (Griffen Case)
14. Gabriel Moreno, Toronto Blue Jays, (Age: 21, Previous Rank: 40)
Ooooweee. There looks to be a battle at the catcher position in the near future with two young promising prospects. Moreno could cause serious problems to Alejandro Kirk’s playing time. By ending his season in Triple-A, the Blue Jays may be interested in riding the hot hand. A .373 average, .441 OBP and .651 slugging in Double-A is no joke and if he succeeds in Triple-A a promotion should follow soon. The Blue Jays are hungry, and if the 21-year-old is placed into that ridiculous line-up, expect fantastic counting stats that will more than satisfy your expectations for catcher production. (Griffen Case)
15. Joey Bart, San Francisco Giants (Age 25, Previous Rank: 7)
With the revelation that was Buster Posey last year, Joey Bart was unfortunately unable to build upon his 2020 season. However, he used that time to work at his craft down in Triple-A and produced a solid slash line of .320/.383/.541. With Buster now out of the picture there is a clear path for playing time in what was a solid offense last year. Being taken as the 2nd overall pick in 2018 and with the Giants history in finding successful backstops, I would keep my eye on his development as his stock could rocket if he starts the year off well. (Griffen Case)
16. Sean Murphy, Oakland A’s (Age 27, Previous Rank 9)
Coming in lukewarm at 16 in our rankings, Sean Murphy! In a lineup where run production should be common, Mr. Murphy struggled across 119 games while putting up a slash line of .216/.306/.405.Although, honestly, maybe that was to be expected with his relatively average hard hit percentage. The 27-year-old should get it done for your team and fill the catcher slot and should receive solid playing time due to his above average fielding abilities, but you may be constantly asking for more out of someone who will most likely not give it to you. (Griffen Case)
17. MJ Melendez, Kansas City Royals (Age: 23, Previous Rank: 63)
If MJ Melendez isn’t on a roster in your league, for the love of god pick him up. If you haven’t seen what this kid did in the minors last season, check it out, ASAP! 41 home runs and 103 rbis is no small feat. And look, I know, Salvy isn’t going anywhere and he made sure of that after hitting 7 more home runs in the majors than Melendez did in Double and Triple A combined in the 2021 season. But imagine this kid getting the promotion to study behind the All-Star, Gold Glover, and Silver Slugger. I for one would be all for that. I think the 23-year-old will be in the majors sooner rather than later next season, so don’t let him get there without him being on your team. (Griffen Case)
18. Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees (Age 29, Previous Rank 8)
Oh Gary. Sweet, sweet Gary. When will you return to that illustrious run you had back in 2016 and 2017. I want to go back to the sweet time where we all believed you were going to hit 35+ home runs, easily. Alas, our expectations have been tempered. But, like we have all said going into the new year, who’s to say he can’t turn back the clock and give us unrivaled production at the plate? We all know what to expect when we pick you, lots of strikeouts and lots of power when you hit the ball. The emergence of Higashioka has not helped your outlook, however we all know what you CAN do, just please do it. (Griffen Case)
19. Carson Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age 27: Previous Rank 18)
So… Carson Kelly actually put up a slash line of .240/.343/.411 which is stronger than his career numbers of .228/.319/.401. The Diamondbacks, unfortunately, are the Diamondbacks and his counting stats can only go so far with them. The underlying numbers do not exactly encourage confidence with his bat, with a mediocre Barrel % and a hard hit% that would not impress anyone. The hope for the 6-year veteran to be anything but a late round pick to fill up your catcher spot almost seems far-fetched. The man does know the strike zone however and had a strong 12.3% walk rate, but if you are looking for power to round out your lineup, you may need to look elsewhere. (Griffen Case)
20. Luis Campusano, San Diego Padres (Age 23, Previous Rank 16)
Coming in to start the roaring twenties, Luis Campusano! And this year he could roar. OK, yes that was a little weak, however, he dominated this year in the minors for El Paso. The sample size for his stint in the majors was too small to speculate a whole lot on, but during his 81 games in Triple-A, a .295/.365/.541 slash line with 21 doubles and 15 dingers is something to get excited about. His spring training performance in 2022 will determine where he ends up to start the year, but if the Padres need help anywhere to provide offense, it is the catcher’s position. If the Padres are making a strong push and don’t lose steam like last year (still can’t believe how bad they were towards the end) expect a promotion for the 23-year-old and some potentially very strong counting stats in a potent lineup. (Griffen Case)