J.T. Realmuto: Deep Waiver Wire Pickup

Jul 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto (20) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The catcher position has failed to live up to its expectations so far this season. Despite the No. 1 catcher, who has played one-fourth of his games at first base, the rankings have been pretty fluid all season. If you need catcher help or looking for a backup in a deeper league, target the Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Realmuto has quietly put up top-15 numbers. He currently ranks No. 12 on the ESPN Player Rater for the season among all catchers. He is No. 2 over the last 30 days and No. 1 over the last 15. The only catcher ahead of him over the last month is the player I mentioned earlier, Buster Posey.

Realmuto’s 2015 numbers are pretty good, especially for a rookie. He has 71 hits (15 doubles, five triples, six home runs), 28 RBI and a .259/.286/.416 slash line in 75 games.

He showed off some of that power in Double-A in 2014. In 97 games, he finished with six triples, eight home runs, 68 RBI, 59:41 K:BB rate and a .299 batting average. As a result, he only played in three games in Triple-A this season before getting the call.

His stats over the last 30 days (18 games) are what moved Realmuto up the Player Rater. He is hitting .318 with three home runs, 10 RBI and two stolen bases in that span.

J.T. Realmuto is flying under the radar in a powerless Miami offense. However, fantasy owners have noticed him. He is the second-most added catcher over the last seven days, added in 7.9 percent of ESPN.com leagues. He now sits at 12.8 percent.

Catchers are a lot like defenses in fantasy football. If you miss out on one of the elite options, then wait until the second-to-last round to draft one. If you missed out on Posey and…Posey, then drafting a top-20 guy or picking one up off the waiver wire later in the season is your best option.

With the big-name catchers like Yan Gomes, Brian McCann and Matt Wieters among others struggling, J.T. Realmuto is worth a look in all formats.