Free agency has begun, meaning every team if on pace for a shakeup. Catching is very important, and like every other position in the sport, it has some critical free agents. For now, there aren’t any massive catcher-free agents. However, these catchers are bound to make a difference wherever they land.
Top 5 Free Agents – Catcher Edition
5. Travis d’Arnaud
Travis d’Arnaud lands fifth on this list because of age—not performance. The fascinating thing about d’Arnaud is that he was technically the starting catcher for the Braves this season. Sean Murphy, acquired a couple of years ago from the Oakland A’s, was supposed to be the starter, but the combination of Murphy’s bad play and Travis’s good play landed him the starting job.
However, Atlanta seemed uninterested in continuing their relationship with d’Arnaud and declined his option. In all likelihood, Travis will have to explore options elsewhere, but for now, d’Arnaud is still productive offensively and defensively. He remains a catcher with value and will likely provide his next team with production.
4. Carson Kelly
Carson Kelly will not provide anyone with big offensive numbers; however, because some teams need anything and Kelly is 30, he is still a valuable free agent. His offensive numbers were nothing special, as he hit .238 with nine homers and 37 RBIs in 91 games. Kelly is no longer at the peak of his career; however, thanks to the age of this year’s catcher-free agents, he is still desirable for a team that needs a catcher.
Kelly can still hit for average and will be signed by someone who needs him this offseason.
3. Gary Sanchez
Gary Sanchez has the most power of any catcher in this year’s free agency market. Although 2024 was not great, Sanchez has a great history of power. Sanchez doesn’t hit for average, as he has hit .224 in his career. However, Sanchez is also averaging 35.9 home runs per 162 games in his career. Nobody plays 162 games unless you are a first baseman or a very healthy person. However, this gives insight into Sanchez’s power over his career.
He is 32 but will be signed by a team in search of power, nonetheless. Given Sanchez’s power, a team will gladly sign him.
2. Kyle Higashioka
Kyle Higashioka had a career year but is also set to become 35. This means that being signed long-term is doubtful. However, thanks to this season’s big show of power, Higashioka will pique some interest from teams who know what he can do offensively. As a New York Yankee, his main attribute was power. Higashioka had a great season as a San Diego Padre and will be re-signed by a grateful team.
Higashioka is a similar free agent to Sanchez; however, he is ranked higher than him because of his career year. Signing Higashioka is risky, but hoping he continues his offensive show is not a horrible bet. Higashioka is a valuable free agent and shouldn’t be overlooked.
1. Danny Jansen
Danny Jansen isn’t the best offensive catcher on this year’s free-agent market. However, he is 30 years old and has an excellent history. Again, Jansen doesn’t hit for average; he is more of a power threat and can play good defense. Given that he is 30 and had a great 2023, he can very well be an excellent signing for a team willing to take a risk. Jansen hit 32 bombs in 158 games between 2022 and 2023; he also hit .237 and drove in 97. In 2023, in 91 games, Jansen hit .205 with just nine homers and drove in 24.
Signing him is a risk for sure. Many teams do not know what version they would get of him. Hopefully, however, Jansen can return to his former self. Jansen remains the most valuable free agent catcher.
Overall, these free agents are essential. Where they sign could determine whether or not a team wins many games. These players win many games. These free agents are going to choose a lot in 2025.
Main Image: © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
