For those just joining, I am embarking on a quest to rank the Top 10 current, prospect, and all-time for every position. When it comes to prospects, I am not so up to date with them. Two years ago, when I was ripping Bowman Draft to the face, I knew every prospect around. Now, married and poor, I can no longer afford that thrill. So, to start becoming more knowledgeable on prospects, I decided to do these lists.
So without further ado, here is my Top 10 Catching Prospects for 2026.
1. Samuel Basallo — Orioles
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .270 / .377 / .589 (Level: AAA)
2025 HR: 23
2025 RBI: 67
2025 SB: 0
2025 OPS: .966
Basallo got a taste of the big leagues in 2025, and Baltimore’s willingness to use him at first and DH alongside Rutschman unlocks everyday at-bats. The combination of plus power, hard contact, and enough approach to avoid empty slugger outcomes gives him legitimate middle-of-the-order upside. Health is the main question after his 2024 elbow issue, but if he holds up physically, there is All-Star-level production in this profile.
2026 outlook: Everyday role split between C/1B/DH, with a realistic shot at a 3–4 WAR season and fringe ROY consideration if the bat truly pops.
2. Carter Jensen — Royals
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .290 / .377 / .501 (Levels: AA/AAA)
2025 HR: 20
2025 RBI: 76
2025 SB: 10
2025 OPS: .878
Jensen’s left-handed power and approach give him middle-of-the-order potential in a park that plays nicely for his pull-side damage. His defense is still catching up, but with Perez aging and already spending time at first and DH, Kansas City has every incentive to let Jensen grow into the primary catcher job.
2026 outlook: Saw action at the end of 2025. As long as he has a strong spring, he is expected to join the club for Opening Day.
3. Josue Briceño — Tigers
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .266 / .383 / .500 (Levels: High-A/AA)
2025 HR: 20
2025 RBI: 76
2025 SB: 1
2025 OPS: .883
Briceño built on his 2024 AFL MVP showing by tearing up High-A (.296/.422/.602) before holding his own in Double-A. At 6’4” with lefty pop and advanced plate discipline (66 walks), he projects as Detroit’s long-term answer behind the plate. The Tigers can develop him patiently, but his bat is forcing the issue.
2026 outlook: Starts in Double-A Erie, reaches Triple-A by midseason; a September cameo is possible depending on
4. Rainiel Rodriguez — Cardinals
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .276 / .399 / .555 (Levels: Rookie/Low-A/High-A)
2025 HR: 20
2025 RBI: 63
2025 SB: 4
2025 OPS: .954
Rodriguez posted elite production as an 18-year-old across three levels, showcasing exceptional plate discipline and exit velocities up to 111 mph. The backstop slugged 20 homers and reached High-A by season’s end. St. Louis may experiment with him at other positions to keep his bat moving, but the ceiling is a middle-of-the-order slugger regardless of where he ends up defensively.
2026 outlook: Starts in High-A, possibly reaches Double-A by year’s end; MLB debut likely 2028.
5. Alfredo Duno — Reds
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .287 / .430 / .518 (Level: Single-A)
2025 HR: 18
2025 RBI: 81
2025 SB: 6
2025 OPS: .948
Duno led the Single-A Florida State League in homers, runs, RBI, and walks at age 19. The 6’2” backstop showed a mature approach (95 walks, .430 OBP) and major-league caliber power. Cincinnati will develop him methodically, but if his offensive growth continues, he projects as a future plus-hitting catcher with 25+ homer power.
2026 outlook: Similar to Rodriguez, Duno is not expected to make the majors until 2028. However, the lack of depth at the position for the Reds could accelerate that.
6. Moisés Ballesteros — Cubs
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .316 / .385 / .473 (Levels: AA/AAA)
2025 HR: 13
2025 RBI: 76
2025 SB: 5
2025 OPS: .858
Ballesteros raced through Double-A and Triple-A at 21, hitting .298 in a brief MLB cameo. Chicago used him mostly at DH in his debut, and he may settle at 1B/DH long-term, but the mature hitting approach makes him one of the most MLB-ready bats on this list.
2026 outlook: Competes for a roster spot, likely in a timeshare behind the plate or as a lefty DH; should see 300+ MLB plate appearances in 2026.
7. Harry Ford — Nationals
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .283 / .408 / .460 (Level: Triple-A)
2025 HR: 16
2025 RBI: 74
2025 SB: 7
2025 OPS: .868
Ford brings a rare fantasy-friendly mix of OBP, speed, and pop at catcher, with athleticism that shows up both behind the plate and on the bases. Seattle gave him a brief look before trading him to Washington in December. Ford could initially serve in a backup or hybrid catcher/OF role, but his ability to move around the diamond gives him multiple paths to plenty of plate appearances.
2026 outlook: Should be making an impact from Opening Day on.
8. Ethan Salas — Padres
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .188 / .325 / .219 (Level: Double-A)
2025 HR: 0
2025 RBI: 5
2025 SB: 2
2025 OPS: .544
Salas’s 2025 was mostly lost to a back injury (only 10 Double-A games at age 19). Despite the lack of output, he remains an elite talent—a defense-first catcher. San Diego will have him repeat Double-A in 2026 once fully healthy. He’s still extremely young, and the Padres can afford patience. The long-term upside as a Gold Glove-caliber backstop with a servicable bat is unchanged.
2026 outlook: Look, I may or may not own some Ethan Salas autos. So, if you have a problem with him being this high, I understand. But I need him to do something so I can offload these cards. That being said, expect him in MLB by the next presidency.
9. Jeferson Quero — Brewers
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .271 / .361 / .478 (Levels: Rookie (rehab) & AAA)
2025 HR: 11
2025 RBI: 57
2025 SB: 2
2025 OPS: .839
Quero spent 2025 in Triple-A Nashville after recovering from a hamstring injury. Now 23 and on Milwaukee’s 40-man roster, he’s a phone call away from the majors. His solid contact skills and above-average defense could push him into at least a share of Milwaukee’s catching duties, though William Contreras’s hold on the starting job limits immediate opportunity.
2026 outlook: Could be competing as a backup with William Contreras ahead of him.
10. Blake Mitchell — Royals
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .218 / .390 / .320 (Level: High-A)
2025 HR: 3
2025 RBI: 19
2025 SB: 12
2025 OPS: .710
It isn’t often that you see a team’s top two prospects both be catchers. Mitchell, Kansas City’s 2023 first-round pick, had an injury-shortened 2025 (hamate surgery, 49 games). While his batting average was low, he showed exceptional plate discipline (20.8% walk rate). Still only 21 with limited pro at-bats, he remains a longer-term project.
2026 outlook: Returns to High-A Quad Cities; promotion to Double-A by late 2026. By the time Mitchell makes it to Kansas, Salvador Perez will be long gone.