As fantasy baseball drafts approach, the top-12 catchers for 2025 have been highlighted, offering valuable insights for managers. Leading the pack is William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose stellar performance last season positioned him as the top option. His brother, Willson Contreras, now with the St. Louis Cardinals, has transitioned to first base, maintaining catcher eligibility while increasing his playing time.

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles follows, though he faced challenges last season, impacting his stats. Salvador Perez remains a consistent powerhouse, showing no signs of decline. Yainer Diaz and Cal Raleigh are rising stars, while veteran Will Smith provides consistent production. Shea Langeliers and J.T. Realmuto round out the list, with Realmuto looking for a bounce-back season. New names like Logan O'Hoppe and Gabriel Moreno also make the cut, showcasing the depth at the position.

The catcher position presents a challenging landscape in fantasy baseball, particularly for the 2025 season. Only two catchers, William Contreras and Adley Rutschman, are currently valued within the top 75 picks, making it essential for fantasy managers to discern value from overvalued players. J.T. Realmuto struggled in 2024, raising concerns about his performance; his 161.7 ADP makes him a risky choice. Conversely, both Shea Langeliers and Cal Raleigh present strong value picks, with Langeliers showcasing impressive power and Raleigh emerging as a top-tier option. Salvador Perez continues to defy age with productive numbers, yet Adley Rutschman may be a reach at his current ADP.

The Kansas City Royals have made significant strides this offseason, bringing in former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, who is already getting acclimated during spring training in Arizona. Estévez, who signed a two-year, $22.2 million contract, expressed excitement about his new team colors and the upcoming season, particularly with the prospect of pitching to nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez. Last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, Estévez posted an impressive 2.45 ERA with 26 saves. With Lucas Erceg also available as a closing option, the Royals look poised for a competitive season.

Fans are hopeful Estévez's successful past will translate into wins, especially as he and Perez aim for a strong rapport on the mound. The Royals, eager for their first division title in a decade, are counting on Estévez to lead their bullpen effectively.

The catcher position in fantasy baseball is gaining respect in 2025, with many viable options for managers drafting in leagues that require a single starter. The depth at the position has increased thanks to managers' willingness to let catchers accumulate significant at-bats, aided by the universal DH rule. Top-tier players like William Contreras lead the pack, while others like Adley Rutschman and Salvador Pérez offer solid alternatives. As managers look for sleepers late in drafts, players like Austin Wells and Sean Murphy stand out as potential breakout candidates.

Wells, now the primary catcher for the Yankees, has shown growth in his offensive metrics. Murphy aims to bounce back after an injury-plagued season but has a strong historical performance. Joey Bart is looking to build on his progress with the Pirates, while Gabriel Moreno and Iván Herrera offer upside as late-round targets. The evolving landscape of the catcher position enhances the fantasy baseball experience, providing managers with more diverse choices.

The Kansas City Royals have been relatively quiet after making significant offseason moves, including re-signing right-hander Michael Wacha to a lucrative three-year contract worth $51 million. They also acquired infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer through trades, but further activity has been sparse as the offseason approaches its conclusion.

The Royals' primary need lies in boosting their offense, an issue partially mitigated by the addition of India. MLB.com's Anne Rogers emphasized this concern, noting that the team aimed to secure a leadoff hitter to complement star players like Bobby Witt Jr. However, questions remain about whether these efforts will suffice.