Who is MLB's highest-paid catcher? Phillies' J.T. Realmuto tops 2023 list

J.T. Realmuto has been one of the best catchers in baseball in recent years – both offensively and behind the plate.

The Philadelphia Phillies rewarded him before the 2021 season with a five-year, $115.5 million deal – the third richest ever for a catcher.

In terms of total value by a catcher, it ranks only behind Joe Mauer ($184 million) and Buster Posey ($167 million).

Since 2016, he leads all catchers in RBI, runs, stolen bases and extra-base hits, batting .278 with an .802 OPS over that span heading into 2023..

Who are the highest-paid MLB catchers in 2023?

Here's the top 10:

1. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia, $23,875,000

2. Salvador Perez, Kansas City, $20,000,000

3. Yasmani Grandal, Chicago White Sox, $18,250,000

4. James McCann, Baltimore, $12,000,000

T-5. Christian Vázquez, Minnesota, $10,000,000

T-5. Willson Contreras, St. Louis, $10,000,000

T-7. Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta, $8,000,000

T-7. Omar Narváez, N.Y. Mets, $8,000,000

9. Max Stassi, L.A. Angels, $7,000,000

T-10. Yan Gomes, Chicago Cubs, $6,000,000

T-10. Mike Zunino, Cleveland, $6,000,000

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What are the biggest contracts ever for a catcher in MLB?

Here's the list, by total value:

1. Joe Mauer, $184,000,000 (2011-18)

2. Buster Posey, $167,000,000 (2013-21)

3. J.T. Realmuto, $115,500,000 (2021-25)

Source: USA TODAY Sports, Cot's Baseball Contracts

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest-paid MLB catcher: Biggest C salaries for 2023 season