In an eight-part series over the next week, we will take a look at the top five fantasy players from every position, leading up to the beginning of the regular season. In the first part of the series, we will take a look at the top five catchers.
5) Mitch Garver–Minnesota Twins–The 2019 American League silver slugger winner for catchers, Garver had a career season as he batted .273 with 31 home runs and 67 runs batted in. Garver was in fact one of five Twins players last season to record 30 home runs. He joined Nelson Cruz, Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, and Eddie Rosario.
4) Gary Sanchez–New York Yankees–The 27-year-old native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is entering the prime of his career. Last season he only batted .232, but made up for his low average with consistent power as he had a career-high in home runs with 34. The two-time all-star is slated to bat sixth in a solid Yankees lineup that also includes DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres.
3) Christian Vazquez–Boston Red Sox–The Red Sox might have a horrendous pitching staff to start the season, but they have a great offensive lineup. Christian Vazquez had a career year in 2019 as he set career highs in home runs (23), runs batted in (72), runs (66), hits (133), doubles (26), total bases (230), and slugging percentage (.477). If there is one concern about Vazquez is that he is slated to hit seventh, so he may not get the high number of at bats as other premier hitting catchers. However, the fact that he gets to play at Fenway, should benefit his offensive statistics.
2) J.T. Realmuto–Philadelphia Phillies–The native of Del City, Oklahoma was in his first season in Philadelphia in 2019 after five seasons with the Miami Marlins. Realmuto put together a National League Silver Slugger season, as he led all catchers with 92 runs scored, 148 hits, 36 doubles, 83 runs batted in, and nine stolen bases. He also batted .275 with 25 home runs.
1)Yasmani Grandal–Chicago White Sox–The 31-year-old native of Havana, Cuba, signed a four-year deal with the Chicago White Sox on November 21 worth $73 million. The two-time all-star had a career-high in runs (79), hits (126), home runs (28), runs batted in (77), stolen bases (five), walks (109), and total bases (240) while with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. He also batted .246. Even though Grandal was behind Realmuto in many offensive categories, the fact that he walked 68 more times than Realmuto in 2019 is significant. That is why you saw Grandal have a .380 on base percentage, compared to Realmuto’s .328.
