Catcher Tiers & Closer Chicken

Feb 7, 2025

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Vlad Sedler (@rotogut) and Jason Anthony (@booms62) begin their position tiers podcast series with a deep dive into the catcher position. Is William Contreras worth a second-round pick? Who is the Cal Raleigh-clone you can draft several rounds later? How can you help the batting average category with a late-round catcher? Vlad and Jason have all the answers in this week's episode. They also cover the recent signing of Pete Alonso by the Mets and other recent free agent additions, discuss the ADP shift in the closer and relief pitcher market, open a sneaky pocket of late-round reliever fantasy value, and review some player news ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting to camp.

The Closer Rabbit Hole

Carlos Estevez and Lucas Erceg on the Royals
How to value Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott
Robert Suarez trade rumors keep on swirling
Booms loves him some Kenley Jansen. To the Tigers?
Is Ryan Pressly going to win and hold that Cubs job?
Wasting time on Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco
Playing Closer Chicken in the middle rounds

Recent Signing and News

Pete Alonso rejoins the Mets - how does this impact Mark Vientos?
Ha-Seong Kim to Florida because you can smoke indoors (oh, wait, he can't?)
Jack Flaherty, Jackson Jobe and the Detroit Tigers pitching staff
Platoon outfielders - Tommy Pham (PIT), Ramon Laureano (BAL), Randal Grichuk (ARZ), Harrison Bader (MIN)
Playing Time effects based on these recent signings
A sidetrack on creative ways the Dodgers will use their pitchers

Catchers in 2025

Tier 1 - Can William Contreras do it again?
Tier 2 - Expectations for Willson Contreras, Cal Raleigh and Will Smith
Tier 3 - Differing opinions on Logan O'Hoppe. Love for Shea Bangeliers
Tier 4 - What to do with Realmuto, Sean Murphy and Keibert Ruiz's 3% barrel rate
Tier 5 - Sneaky values
12-team streaming strategies early in the season

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