Draft Guide Preview

Adley Rutschman, MJ Melendez highlight youngsters on rise in C tiers

by NBC Sports EDGE Staff
Updated On: February 14, 2023, 11:34 am ET

With pitchers and catchers beginning to report to camp, #BaseballSZN is officially here! While the season is still a while away, preparation and draft season is definitely here. Now is the time to research deep sleepers, best players to target at their ADP and more! What better way to prepare than using our all-new 2023 Rotoworld Baseball Draft Guide?

Our goal is to provide the tools you need to prepare for every draft ahead of the 2023 season. Whether you land the No. 1 overall pick or the last pick, our draft guide can assist your fantasy championship quest from day one through the playoffs with an array of useful tools for a variety of formats. From in-depth player profiles to player rankings and projections, managers can feel confident navigating the 2023 fantasy landscape.

In our latest teaser, we are taking a look at the first and second tiers for the catcher position. As one of the hardest positions to sustain consistent production from in fantasy all season long, knowing where the tiers drop off as well as which catchers to target in drafts is essential in being able to make it to the championship. Will Adley Rutschman take a step forward in 2023? Is Will Smith the most trustworthy at the position? Let's dive into the catcher tiers for the 2023 fantasy baseball season.

Tier One

Will Smith - LAD

Daulton Varsho - TOR

J.T. Realmuto - PHI

Tier One Analysis:

There's increased excitement at the catcher position these days, but we'd hardly blame you for acting early. Realmuto reclaimed his place as the top fantasy catcher last season and he stole a career-high 21 bases in his age-31 campaign. Varsho isn't as well-rounded as Realmuto, but brings a speed element which sets him apart from some others. Just keep in mind that he could lose catcher-eligibility after this season. Smith might have the most bankable power at the position and a talented supporting cast to boot. 

 

Tier Two

Alejandro Kirk - TOR

Salvador Perez - KC

MJ Melendez - KC

Adley Rutschman - BAL

William Contreras - MIL

Tier Two Analysis:

This is where some of the new blood comes into play. Kirk emerged as a reliable fantasy catcher last season and the Blue Jays' situation isn't nearly as complicated with top prospect Gabriel Moreno playing in Arizona. Rutschman hardly looked like a rookie last year and it's easy to imagine that the best is yet to come. Perez is still the primary catcher if healthy for the Royals, but Melendez should see plenty of time between the outfield and DH spots. Contreras gets a boost in value with his trade to Milwaukee. 

To see the rest of the catcher tiers, analysis and more plus everything else the Rotoworld Baseball Draft Guide offers, be sure to purchase your copy today for $19.99 here. And, don't forget to take advantage of our special Draft Guide Bundle offer where you can get ALL THREE draft guides -- Baseball, Football and Basketball -- for $44.99. Check it out here