Who are the highest paid MLB catchers? Big money for baseball’s toughest position

One of the toughest, most brutal on the body, positions in all of professional sports is that of catcher. It is certainly the most physically demanding position in baseball. Added to that is the fact that the catcher is expected to understand every nuance of every batter and situation, to effectively coach from the field. It is perhaps surprising then, that it is also one of the most misunderstood and overlooked positions by management. Particularly when it comes to pay.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have just agreed what may be the longest contract with any catcher in the game, inking a deal for 10 years and $140 million with Will Smith. This deal will see Smith remain in Dodger blue for what is likely to be the rest of his career.

But on a per-season basis, that deal is only enough to see him bat cleanup in the list of best paid catcher in the game, with the Phillies’ JT Realmuto, the Royals’ Salvador Pérez, and the Cardinals Willson Contreras ahead of him.

Here is the top ten highest paid catchers.

Who are the highest-paid MLB catchers in 2024?

1. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies – $23,875,000
2. Salvador Perez, Royals – $20,000,000
3. Willson Contreras, Cardinals – $18,000,000
4. Will Smith, Dodgers – $14,000,000
5. James McCann, Orioles – $12,000,000
6. Mitch Garver, Mariners – $10,500,000
7. Christian Vázquez, Twins – $10,000,000
8. Sean Murphy, Braves – $9,000,000
9. Travis d’Arnaud, Braves – $8,000,000
10. (t) Omar Narváez, Mets – $7,000,000 (t)Max Stassi, White Sox – $7,000,000