The top of the 2022 Catcher market is as hot as we have seen in recent RDBL History with three of the top five backstops available in Free Agency while a clear top five option is one of the top trade targets leading into Draft Day. That has Front Office's allocating a touch more cap space to the catcher spot as they prep for the ninth RDBL Draft.
Dodgers backstop Will Smith edges out Yasmani Grandal and J.T. Realmuto as the top Free Agent available while Willson Contreras is a likely candidate to change clubs over the next two weeks.
Two names to watch that can alter the catching market are Joey Bart (Ducks) and Keibert Ruiz (Maulers). Both are projected to serve as their big league club's primary starter but both could be held back in their Minor League contracts, further stifling the depth of the catcher market. Adley Rutschman (Clovers) could also join that duo at some point in 2022.
Top Catcher Free Agents 1 Will Smith, Dodgers 2. Yasmani Grandal, White Sox 3. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies 4. James McCann, Mets 5. Christian Vazquez, Red Sox 6. Travis d'Arnaud, Braves | Top Catcher Trade Candidates 1 Willson Contreras (2/$21), Heads 2. Mike Zunino (2FA/$5), Taters 3. Elias Diaz (2FA/$5), Grapes 4. Gary Sanchez (), Goutfish 5. Francisco Mejia (2R/$3), Clovers 6. Tucker Barnhart (2/$1), Fish |
Team Needs:
Alamo Short Stacks, Asti Grape Stompers, Maltese Falcons, Las Vegas Aristocrats, Lunatic Fringe, Lake Merced Goutfish, St. Joseph Jokers, Spokane Fightin' Fish
Activation Candidates:
The Taters are set to activate Sean Murphy who missed a 2021 activation due to a Spring Training injury. Tyler Stephenson has already been activated by the Hammerheads after joining the Active Roster in the 2021 Playoffs. The remainder of the activation class is up in the air at catcher as Joey Bart (Ducks), Keibert Ruiz (Maulers) and top prospect Adley Rutschman (Clovers) all up in the air with Bart the most likely to hold an Opening Day RDBL job.
Top Free Agent:
Will Smith finished second in scoring in 2021 with a .259/.365/.495 line with 25 home runs as he wrapped up his $5 contract with the Lake Merced Goutfish. A sizeable raise will be in his future as he should have a strong Auction market as the top name at the position. Look for the Goutfish to push hard for a reunion with Smith's market likely to push the $20 market on Draft Day.
Under the Radar Free Agent:
Injuries have plagued Travis d'Arnaud throughout his career as he has appeared in more than 100 games just three times in eight seasons. But when healthy, the risk is worth the investment as a second catcher though you might want to straddle him with backup Manny Pina just in case.
Top Trade Candidate:
The wagons are circling on Willson Contreras who is being actively shopped by the Honolulu Hammerheads as we speak. With a reasonable 2/$23, Contreras should have a market before Draft Day but the presence of three similar Free Agent producers who should fetch similar money could limit the return for GM Ross Horiuchi. The Devils, Fringe and Falcons stand out as the best fits with the cap space to brush off the contract for the production.
Under the Radar Trade Candidate:
If Elias Diaz is not retained by the Asti Grape Stompers on his 2FA/$5 contract, he could be a nice second option for RDBL clubs due to his friendly home park and substantial power. Diaz posted 18 home runs in 106 games last season and should have more in the tank with a touch more playing time in store.
Potential Deal Before Draft Day:
Devils Acquire C Willson Contreras (2/$21) from Hammerheads for 2022 3rd Round Pick (38th Overall) and 3B Alec Bohm (2R/$3)
The Heads might be searching for a higher return but the options in Auction will drive down the asking price. Without a selection in the first three rounds, Horiuchi is anxious to find an early selection while Bohm would be a nice buy-low option under team control through 2023. 2021 was a perplexing year for the third baseman, but he was one of the hottest young names in the sport 12 months ago and the potential to right the ship would be a major reward for the Heads.
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