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
| Rank | Player | Team | Compensation |
| 1 | J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | $23.1 million |
| 2 | Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals | $20.5 million |
| 3 | Cal Raleigh | Seattle Mariners | $17.5 million |
| 4 | Will Smith | Los Angeles Dodgers | $14 million |
| 5 | Sean Murphy | Atlanta Braves | $12.2 million |
| 6 | Mitch Garver | Seattle Mariners | $12 million |
| 7 | Christian Vazquez | Minnesota Twins | $10 million |
| T-8 | Danny Jansen | Tampa Bay Rays | $8.5 million |
| T-8 | Gary Sánchez | Baltimore Orioles | $8.5 million |
| 10 | Daulton Varsho | Toronto Blue Jays | $8 million |
| 11 | Kyle Higashioka | Texas Rangers | $6.8 million |
| 12 | Keibert Ruiz | Washington Nationals | $6.3 million |
| 13 | William Contreras | Milwaukee Brewers | $6.1 million |
| T-14 | Travis d’Arnaud | Los Angeles Angels | $6 million |
| T-14 | Victor Caratini | Houston Astros | $6 million |
