In MLB The Show 26, catchers are the backbone of the defense, calling pitches and shutting down anyone trying to steal second.

And for players looking to upgrade their squad with the best catchers in the game, the following breakdown covers them.

The following list ranks the 25 highest-rated catchers in MLB The Show 26 by OVR rating, from 75 to 95.

25. Kyle Teel

Kyle Teel comes in as the 25th-best catcher in the game. He edges out Gary Sánchez narrowly, with both sharing the same 75 OVR; however, his higher B-grade potential gives him this spot.

24. Logan O'Hoppe

The youngster has a 75 OVR catching rating. He's a piece to build on with B potential.

23. Danny Jansen

Suiting up for the Rangers, he provides depth behind the plate. The veteran comes in with a 75 OVR catching rating and B potential.

22. Patrick Bailey

San Francisco's defensive specialist lands a 76 OVR catching rating this year. The 26-year-old switch-hitter also holds onto a B potential grade moving forward.

21. Freddy Fermin

Now catching pitches for the Padres, he brings defensive value. Fermin also has a 76 OVR catching rating and a steady B potential grade.

20. Tyler Stephenson

Cincinnati's starter boasts a 77 OVR catching rating and carries a good B potential, too.

19. Carlos Narváez

Representing the Red Sox, the backstop comes equipped with a 77 OVR catching rating and C potential in-game.

18. Salvador Perez

Kansas City's captain can still produce effectively. The 35-year-old holds a 79 OVR catching rating and B potential.

17. Ryan Jeffers

Playing up in Minnesota, the Twins' regular snagged a 79 OVR catching rating this year. He remains a steady option with B potential.

16. Francisco Alvarez

The Mets' young star has an OVR of 79. He's known for his real-life athleticism and holds B potential here.

15. Austin Wells

The Yankees player has an OVR of 79. He is also carrying a B potential.

14. Carson Kelly

The veteran, playing for the Cubs, has an 80 OVR catching rating in the game, paired with B potential.

13. Yainer Diaz

Houston's everyday man behind the dish is one of the best options in the game. Diaz brings an 81 OVR catching rating plus B potential here.

12. Sean Murphy

Atlanta has depth, and this backstop proves it. He steps onto the virtual field with an 81 OVR catching rating and B potential.

11. J.T. Realmuto

The veteran Phillies star still holds his own. He currently has an 83 OVR catching rating and a B potential.

10. Hunter Goodman

Colorado's backstop, other than his 83 OVR catching rating, holds a rare A-grade potential in-game.

9. Drake Baldwin

Coming out of the Braves' system, this lefty batter holds an 83 OVR catching rating. He has B-grade potential.

8. Dillon Dingler

The Tigers have a top 10 entry here, with Dingler sitting at an 83 OVR catching rating in the game, backed by a B potential.

7. Gabriel Moreno

Playing for the Diamondbacks, this young star snagged an 84 OVR rating. The 25-year-old also packs a B grade for his potential.

6. Adley Rutschman

Baltimore's switch-hitting star boasts an 84 OVR catching rating and B potential.

5. Shea Langeliers

Over in Oakland, this Athletics regular provides pop at the plate. He holds an 85 OVR catching rating and a B potential grade.

4. Alejandro Kirk

The 26-year-old Blue Jays catcher brings an 86 OVR to the table. He has contact skills and carries a B potential.

3. William Contreras

At 28 years old, this Brewers standout is the third-best option available. He holds an 87 OVR catching rating alongside an A-grade potential.

2. Will Smith

The Dodgers' 2024 World Series winner continues to be a top catcher. He is holding an 88 OVR catching rating with A potential.

1. Cal Raleigh

Seattle's 29-year-old star bagged a Gold Glove, which justifies his game-leading 95 OVR catching rating. He also holds an A potential.

So, who are you choosing as your catcher right now? Drop your favorites in the comments below.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat