Top 10 MLB Catching Prospects Entering 2021

Image credit: Adley Rutschman (Photo by Mike Janes/Four Seam Images)

Evaluating catching has long been difficult, but in the 2020s, it has become even tougher. No position is less dependent on offensive production than catcher, as teams prioritize receiving/pitch framing. But there is also the possibility of that changing in the not-to-distant future if MLB ever switches to using technology to calls balls and strikes.

But this is a loaded group of catchers both because of Adley Rutschman leading this list, but also because of the depth. Nine of the 10 players on this list cracked the Top 100. Just three seasons ago, there were only four catchers in the Top 100, and none higher than 20th. Rutschman’s No. 2 ranking is the best by any catcher since Matt Wieters ranked No. 1 in 2009.

The depth of catching prospects goes beyond this top 10. Players like Tyler Stephenson (Reds), Shea Langeliers and William Contreras (Braves), Miguel Amaya (Cubs), Diego Cartaya (Dodgers), Bo Naylor (Indians), Ivan Herrera (Cardinals) and Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays) mean that the best of the rest on this list are impressive prospects as well.

Top 100 Prospects | Top Prospects For Every Team | 13 Potential Breakout Prospects For 2021 | Order The 2021 Prospect Handbook