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The 15 Highest-Paid MLB Catchers

  • J.T. Realmuto and Salvador Perez are the only catchers earning at least $20 million.
  • The Mets and Yankees don’t feature a catcher among the highest-paid, despite having the third and fourth-highest payrolls in baseball, respectively.
Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The connection between pitcher and catcher is an often underrated aspect of MLB team success. While catchers are an invaluable part of the team, their contract value is significantly less than other positions.

In 2025, only three catchers make over $15 million annually.

Two-time Gold Glove winner J.T. Realmuto leads the charge as the highest-paid catcher in the MLB. In 2021, Realmuto signed a five-year, $115.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and brings in just over $23 million per year.

Following Realmuto in the second spot is Salvador Perez making $20.5 million annually. Perez signed a four-year, $82.5 million deal in 2021 and is set to be a free agent again in 2027.

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners takes the third position, making $17.5 million. Fourth is the Dodgers’ Will Smith, bringing in $14 million per year.

Rounding out the top five is Sean Murphy of the Braves, who earns $12.2 million annually.

The Top Catchers

Here is the full list of the 15 highest-paid MLB catchers by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: April 11th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1J.T. RealmutoPhiladelphia Phillies$23.1 million
2Salvador PerezKansas City Royals$20.5 million
3Cal RaleighSeattle Mariners$17.5 million
4Will SmithLos Angeles Dodgers$14 million
5Sean MurphyAtlanta Braves$12.2 million
6Mitch GarverSeattle Mariners$12 million
7Christian VazquezMinnesota Twins$10 million
T-8Danny JansenTampa Bay Rays$8.5 million
T-8Gary SánchezBaltimore Orioles$8.5 million
10Daulton VarshoToronto Blue Jays$8 million
11Kyle HigashiokaTexas Rangers$6.8 million
12Keibert RuizWashington Nationals$6.3 million
13William ContrerasMilwaukee Brewers$6.1 million
T-14Travis d’ArnaudLos Angeles Angels$6 million
T-14Victor CaratiniHouston Astros$6 million

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