The Rays' Catching Crisis: From Disaster to Redemption in 2026?
Last season, the Rays' catching corps hit rock bottom, ranking among the league's worst in both offensive and defensive performance. It was a far cry from the standard we've come to expect from this organization. But here's where it gets interesting: the front office took decisive action at the deadline, bringing in players who already understand the team's unique catching and pitching philosophies. And this is the part most people miss: these acquisitions aren't just stopgaps – they're potential long-term solutions.
The addition of Nick Fortes, in particular, has me excited. He's a defensive stalwart with a reliable, contact-oriented offensive game. Pair him with Hunter Feduccia, who could develop into a solid complementary piece, and Dom Keegan, a power-hitting prospect looking to establish himself in the majors, and you've got the makings of a much-improved unit.
2025 Performance: A Tale of Two Sides
Let's dive into the numbers. Despite their overall struggles, the 2025 Rays catchers actually showed above-average plate discipline and average contact skills. The problem? A severe lack of power. Even when they made contact, the ball wasn't jumping off their bats. Take a look at these key offensive metrics:
| Player | PA | Z-O Swing% | Contact% | EV90 | LD+FB% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Danny Jansen | 259 | 43.8% | 78.1% | 102.2mph | 73.3% |
| Hunter Feduccia | 102 | 38.4% | 73.4% | 103.7mph | 56.6% |
| Nick Fortes | 101 | 27.3% | 81.0% | 104.4mph | 44.9% |
| Matt Thaiss | 80 | 39.9% | 70.4% | 103.5mph | 54.3% |
| Ben Rortvedt | 70 | 38.7% | 78.3% | 100.0mph | 51.1% |
| Total | 612 | 39.3% | 76.6% | 102.8mph | 62.1% |
| League Avg | | 37.1% | 76.6% | 105.1mph | 58.9% |
Defensively, the story was equally concerning. The Rays catchers ranked near the bottom in framing and pop times, though they did show some promise in blocking. But here's a controversial take: with the new challenge system, will blocking become a more valuable skill? It's a question that divides experts, and one I'd love to hear your thoughts on in the comments.
2026 Outlook: A Brighter Future?
With Jansen, Rortvedt, and Thaiss no longer in the picture, the stage is set for a new era. Projecting a 45/45/10 playing time split for Fortes, Feduccia, and Keegan, respectively, here's how the 2026 catching unit might shape up:
| Player | PT% | Z-O Swing% | Contact% | EV90 | LD+FB% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nick Fortes | 45% | 32.1% | 86.0% | 102.5mph | 56.5% |
| Hunter Feduccia | 45% | 43.3% | 78.0% | 104.4mph | 51.7% |
| Dom Keegan | 10% | 23.1% | 69.2% | 106.9mph | 65.5% |
| Total | | 36.2% | 80.7% | 103.8mph | 55.2% |
The offensive potential is intriguing. While the group still prioritizes plate discipline and contact, Feduccia and Keegan bring much-needed power to the table. Keegan, in particular, is a wild card – his AAA numbers don't tell the full story, and I believe he's capable of making a late-season impact in the majors.
Defensively, Fortes is the clear leader. His receiving, throwing, and blocking skills are all above average, and he should see significant playing time as a result. Feduccia and Keegan have work to do, but their athleticism and arm strength give them a solid foundation.
The Million-Dollar Question: Can This Group Deliver?
Assuming good health, I'm optimistic about this catching unit. They're a significant upgrade over last year's group, both offensively and defensively. But what do you think? Is this group poised for a breakout season, or are there still too many question marks? And what's your take on the importance of blocking in the era of the challenge system? Let's get the discussion started in the comments – I'm eager to hear your insights!
