Top 25 C keepers – 2013 edition

These rankings are based on projected cumulative value over the next 3 years.  Minor league players have been excluded.

I don’t think there’s any disputing Posey’s No. 1 ranking on this list. I see him settling in around 20 HRs for a few years and if there’s  another level for him to attain, it will likely be in his late 20’s or early 30’s if he decides to change his approach and loft the ball more.  For now his current approach is working just fine.

Wieters and Santana both have strong skill sets that should continue to improve for years to come. I could see either or both un-seating Posey as the top fantasy C in any given year.

Mauer’s 28 HR season in 2009 was fueled by a HR/FB breakout that proved unsustainable. His elite plate control and plus-plus hit tool will allow him to hit for average for as long as he’s healthy. There’s always a chance that he powers-up again, but there probably won’t be anything to indicate it’s coming so pay only for what you can see here.

Molina is a late-bloomer with the bat and his peak won’t likely be long, but for now he’s rock-solid. His great contact ability provides a nice value floor, limiting batting average downside.

Many will sleep on Jesus Montero because he didn’t go “Mike Trout” in his first full season, making him a prime post-hype target. He still has a plus hit tool and plus power potential and could evolve into a .300/30+ DH, who qualifies at C.

Rosario’s power is plus-plus and his home-park adds fuel to the fire. Thirty HRs at some point is a given with a shot at 40 a definite possibility if he can hit a few more FBs and get 500+ PA’s. Could happen as soon as 2013 …

Perez and Lucroy both owe much of their 2012 success to significantly reduced strikeout rates and budding power. That’s where their similarities end though. Perez has always been a defense-first C who had some potential with the bat. Lucroy was drafted in the 3rd round out of Louisiana-Lafayette as a solid hitter who might be adequate defensively behind the plate. Perez is an aggressive hitter who doesn’t work deep into counts. Lucroy is more patient and even had a positive BB/K ratio in 2009 at AA Huntsville.  I could see either one breaking out in 2013, but I think there’s a better chance of it being Lucroy, although I give Perez the edge long-term. A moderate investment in either would be wise in keeper-leagues.

The Cs in the 15-25 range could be ranked in many different, defensible orders. I personally prefer the on-field talent I’ve seen from Mesoraco, Grandal, Ramos and Avila over the balance.