Top Five Catchers – NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox are hoping they have their catcher of the future in top prospect Kyle Teel. The young player, ranked fourth in the system, is expected to make his debut in 2025 and immediately gain a foothold with the first division club.

While the team expects big things from Teel, it wouldn’t hurt to add an experienced backstop to the equation. The Red Sox parted ways with Reese McGuire during the 2024 season and their acquisition of Danny Jansen at the trade deadline will be a free agent. In the event that Teel isn’t ready to make the roster, signing a catcher as a free agent might be prudent.

If they decide to go that route, here are the best catchers hitting the open market, as well as some honorable mentions.

1. Kyle Higashioka

Age: 35

Statistics for 2024: .220/.263/.476, 17 HR, 45 RBI, 74 SO, 15 BB (84 games)

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Higashioka ages like a fine wine. At age 34, he had his best offensive season, setting career highs in home runs, RBI and OPS.

The strikeout-to-walk ratio remains an issue, but Higashioka’s burst of power and reliability behind the plate should make him one of the most sought-after catchers on the market this winter.

2. Travis d’Arnaud

Age: 36

Statistics for 2024: .238/.302/.436, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 89 SO, 24 BB (99 games)

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Note: d’Arnaud has an $8 million club option with the Atlanta Braves for 2025.

D’Arnaud’s age shouldn’t deter teams from vying for his services if Atlanta declines his club option. The veteran stands out in a weak catcher free agent class with his consistent bat. There are better defensive backstops, but few catchers offer the same offensive advantages.

3. Danny Jansen

Age: 30

Statistics for 2024: .205/.309/.349, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 61 SO, 40 BB (91 games)

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Jansen struggled in 2024 with the Toronto Blue Jays and got even worse after being traded to the Red Sox at the deadline. Had he repeated his 2023 campaign, he would have been the No. 1 catcher in this year’s class.

His stock is low heading into free agency, but that could result in a bargain that pays off down the line for a catcher-reliant club.

4. Carson Kelly

Age: 32

Statistics for 2024: .238/.313/.374, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 55 SO, 25 BB (91 games)

Kelly made notable strides on offense in 2024 with the Detroit Tigers and Texans Rangers. He probably won’t win any Silver Sluggers, but his league-average bat, excellent defense and age make him one of the most intriguing catching options available.

5. Gary Sanchez

Age: 32

Statistics for 2024: .220/.307/.392, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 76 SO, 27 BB (89 games)

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Sanchez leans more toward downhill than catching these days, although when he was behind the plate he actually made offensive bets. While he’s still not what anyone would consider a great defender, he’s not quite as bad as he was in his Yankees days. He will try to get back on stage in 2025 because that is where his true value has been throughout his career.

Honorable Mentions: Yasmani Grandal, Elias Diaz, Jacob Stallings, Yan Gomes, Tucker Barnhart, Austin Hedges, Martin Maldonado, James McCann, Omar Narvaez, Tomas Nido, Austin Barnes, Max Stassi.