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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 2026, only one catcher made more than $15 million annually.
That catcher is 2025 AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh Jr., who makes $17.5 million a year with the Mariners. He signed a six-year, $105 million contract with Seattle in 2025.
Two-time Gold Glove winner J.T. Realmuto ranks second with a $15 million salary. He previously earned over $23 million with the Phillies, but signed a new three-year extension with them in January that included a pay cut.
Following Realmuto in the third spot is the Dodgers’ Will Smith. The three-time World Series champion earns $14 million a year on a 10-year, $140 million deal.
Rounding out the top five are the Royals’ Salvador Perez and the Braves’ Sean Murphy, who both earn just over $12 million.
The Top Catchers
Here is the full list of the 25 highest-paid MLB catchers by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.
- Updated: June 4, 2026
| Rank | Player | Team | Compensation |
| 1 | Cal Raleigh | Seattle Mariners | $17.5 million |
| 2 | J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | $15 million |
| 3 | Will Smith | Los Angeles Dodgers | $14 million |
| 4 | Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals | $12.5 million |
| 5 | Sean Murphy | Atlanta Braves | $12.17 million |
| 6 | Alejandro Kirk | Toronto Blue Jays | $11.6 million |
| 7 | William Contreras | Milwaukee Brewers | $9.4 million |
| 8 | Samuel Basallo | Baltimore Orioles | $8.38 million |
| T-9 | Danny Jansen | Texas Rangers | $7.25 million |
| T-9 | Adley Rutschman | Baltimore Orioles | $7.25 million |
| 11 | Victor Caratini | Minnesota Twins | $7 million |
| 12 | Tyler Stephenson | Cincinnati Reds | $6.8 million |
| 13 | Kyle Higashioka | Texas Rangers | $6.75 million |
| 14 | Ryan Jeffers | Texas Rangers | $6.7 million |
| 15 | Keibert Ruiz | Washington Nationals | $6.25 million |
| 16 | Travis d’Arnaud | Los Angeles Angels | $6 million |
| T-17 | Carson Kelly | Chicago Cubs | $5.75 million |
| T-17 | Jose Trevino | Cincinnati Reds | $5.75 million |
| 19 | Shea Langeliers | Sacramento Athletics | $5.25 million |
| 20 | Yainer Diaz | Houston Astros | $4.5 million |
| 21 | Austin Hedges | Cleveland Guardians | $4 million |
| 22 | Jake Rogers | Detroit Tigers | $3.05 million |
| 23 | James McCann | Arizona Diamondbacks | $2.75 million |
| 24 | Logan O’Hoppe | Los Angeles Angels | $2.63 million |
| 25 | Gabriel Moreno | Arizona Diamondbacks | $2.55 million |
