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 2024, only two 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.
Willson Contreras and Will Smith take the third and fourth positions making $17.5 million and $14 million, respectively. Capping off the top five is the Braves’ Sean Murphy, bringing in $12.17 million per year.
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: November 20th, 2024
| Rank | Player | Team | Compensation |
| 1 | J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | $23.1 million |
| 2 | Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals | $20.5 million |
| 3 | Will Smith | Los Angeles Dodgers | $14 million |
| 4 | Sean Murphy | Atlanta Braves | $12.2 million |
| 5 | Mitch Garver | Seattle Mariners | $12 million |
| 6 | Christian Vazquez | Minnesota Twins | $10 million |
| 7 | Daulton Varsho | Toronto Blue Jays | $8 million |
| 8 | Keibert Ruiz | Washington Nationals | $6.3 million |
| 9 | Ryan Jeffers | Minnesota Twins | $6.1 million |
| T-10 | Travis d’Arnaud | Los Angeles Angels | $6 million |
| T-10 | Victor Caratini | Houston Astros | $6 million |
| 12 | Jonah Heim | Texas Rangers | $5.2 million |
| 13 | Adley Rutschman | Baltimore Orioles | $5 million |
| 14 | Cal Raleigh | Seattle Mariners | $4.9 million |
| 15 | Tyler Stephenson | Cincinnati Reds | $4.5 million |
