2022 Prospect Position Rankings: Catcher

Position Rankings are voted on by Baseball America staff members. Players are listed at their primary positions.

RATING: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

The 2022 prospect catching crop is the best in recent memory, topped by No. 1 overall prospect Adley Rutschman. A dozen catchers ranked in the Top 100, the most of any position aside from shortstop and pitcher, with many others not far off.

BEST HITTER: Adley Rutschman, Orioles

Rutschman is the complete package offensively as a switch-hitter with exceptional strike-zone discipline, enormous power and underrated pure contact ability, especially from the right side of the plate. He projects to be a middle-of-the-order force whose offensive production would make him an all-star even if he wasn't a catcher.

BEST DEFENDER: Drew Romo, Rockies

Romo earned raves in high school as the best defensive catcher to come out of the draft in years and lived up to the hype in his pro debut. His soft hands, smooth footwork, clean transfer and pinpoint throwing accuracy all give him the appearance of a big league catcher despite the fact he has yet to play above Low-A. If Romo can clean up his blocking a tick, he has multiple Gold Gloves in his future.

SLEEPER: Logan O'Hoppe, Phillies

A 23rd-round pick in 2018 out of a New York prep school, O'Hoppe made his full-season debut in 2021 and raced up three levels to Triple-A. He's a mature, polished defender who is strong in every aspect of catching and has plus raw power he is increasingly tapping into with an improved approach and swing path.

To Win A World Series, The Orioles Are Going To Have To Spend

If recent history is any indication, the Orioles are going to have to spend for their rebuild to result in a World Series title.