The most overlooked spot in fantasy baseball is easily the catcher position. Most fans wait until the later rounds of the draft to address the top of their lineup, and even though I don’t do this myself, I can certainly see the advantage of the approach. So to help those of you looking to save a couple of bucks behind the plate, here are five sleeper catchers for the 2016 fantasy season.
5. J.T. Realmuto, Miami Marlins
Getty ImagesDespite all the attention on the 2015 rookie class, Realmuto's success was seemingly swept under the rug. However, he still finished with a respectable .259 batting average to go along with 21 doubles and 10 HRs. Realmuto will be a bona fide sleeper.
4. Matt Weiters, Baltimore Orioles
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After two straight injury-plagued seasons, Weiters will rightfully plummet in fantasy rankings this spring. However, the former All-Star did put together three straight 20-HR seasons in 2011-13. The GT standout will be worth a look late.
3. Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets
Getty ImagesD’Arnaud struggled with his timing and injuries for most of 2015, but the youngster really picked it up late. The backstop smacked five HRs in August, three in September and three more in the postseason. He has 20-HR potential in Queens.
2. Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds
Getty imagesAfter only playing 23 games in 2015, Mesoraco’s fantasy value won’t be any cheaper. However, he still racked up 25 HRs and 80 RBI in 2014. Meso should bounce back this season and reclaim a spot among the top-five backstops.
1. Brian McCann, New York Yankees
Getty ImagesMcCann has been one of the most consistent power-hitting catchers in the history of fantasy. He has smacked 20 or more HRs in eight consecutive seasons, including a career-high 26 home runs last season. McCann will once again put up elite numbers.
