MLB Network’s annual top 10 lists at each position often spark debate among opposing fanbases over perceived player valuations. Regardless of one’s view of how “The Shredder” ranks each group, comparing a favorite player to peers across the league can be a demanding exercise.
However, these top ten lists occasionally serve as a reminder of which organizations consistently excel at identifying talent at specific positions. For the Atlanta Braves, that strength becomes especially clear when examining MLB Network’s top 10 catchers list.
Drake Baldwin is the No. 4 catcher on @MLBNow's #Top10RightNow. pic.twitter.com/MNE0JQWBVj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 3, 2026
Braves dominate MLB Network’s Top 10 catchers list with current and former players
Finding high-quality catchers has been a persistent challenge for many Major League Baseball teams throughout the 2020s. While numerous defense-first catchers have been serviceable starters, identifying a backstop capable of consistently delivering league-average—or better—offensive production has proven difficult. The Atlanta Braves, however, have largely avoided this struggle.
Whether through reliable veteran duos like Tyler Flowers and Kurt Suzuki or Silver Slugger-caliber seasons from Travis d’Arnaud, the Braves have consistently demonstrated a talent for identifying quality catchers. Their catching expertise extends beyond the Major League level, with several former top prospects earning spots on MLB Network’s top ten list.
Mariners backstop Cal Raleigh was a lock for the top spot after his historic 2025 season, leading all catchers and posting one of the most remarkable offensive campaigns at the position. However, following the big dumper was former Brave William Contreras, who earned his place on MLB Network’s top ten catchers list after back‑to‑back quality seasons with the Brewers.
Drake Baldwin made his debut on the list at No. 4, an impressive feat considering these rankings factor in production over the past three seasons. If Baldwin can replicate a sophomore campaign on par with his NL Rookie of the Year–winning 2025 season, he could quickly make a strong case to move into the top two.
Further down the list, the Braves boasted a second catcher, with Sean Murphy ranking eighth. Murphy has been a consistent presence on these annual rankings, and despite a .199/.300/.409 slash line in 2025, he remained valuable enough to secure a spot on this year’s top ten. This underscores how thin the catcher position is at the Major League level, as few alternatives presented a compelling case to displace Murphy from the list.
The final player to crack the top ten is another former Braves top prospect, Shea Langeliers. The former first-round pick and current Athletics backstop enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, posting a career-high 132 wRC+ and 3.9 fWAR. Langeliers was one of the key pieces sent to Oakland in the Matt Olson trade, a deal that continues to show benefits for both organizations.
All of this means that 40% of this year’s top 10 catchers have been affiliated with the Braves at some point, including three backstops entering their age-28-or-younger seasons. While Atlanta has faced legitimate criticism for its recent struggles in scouting position players, there is no question about the organization’s ability to identify top-tier catching talent. Baldwin is the latest example of the Braves’ scouting department demonstrating a keen eye for Major League-ready catchers.