Erik Kratz

Erik Kratz

44-Year-Old CatcherC
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Erik Kratz in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year minor-league contract with the Yankees in December of 2019.
Won't play in 2021
CFree Agent  
November 6, 2020
Kratz doesn't intend to play during the 2021 season, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kratz spent most of the 2020 season on the Yankees' 40-man roster and hit .321 with four RBI over 28 at-bats. However, he announced Friday that he won't play in 2021. "My next season will not be as a player, that's for sure," Kratz said. "I am deciding not to play." It appears as though the 40-year-old intends to retire, as he finishes his career with a .611 OPS, 31 home runs and 105 RBI over 10 seasons with 10 different teams.
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2020 MLB Game Log
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2019 MLB Game Log
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2018 MLB Game Log
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2017 MLB Game Log
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Erik Kratz See More
Dream11 Fantasy Baseball: Mets at Yankees
August 29, 2020
Juan Pablo Aravena breaks down Sunday's Mets at Yankees game for Dream11 contests.
Dream11 Fantasy Baseball: Red Sox at Yankees
August 15, 2020
Juan Pablo Aravena breaks down Sunday's Red Sox at Yankees game for Dream11 contests.
AL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week
August 9, 2020
Erik Siegrist checks out the free-agent pool in the Junior Circuit and expects Jo Adell's prospect pedigree to draw a lot of FAAB dollars.
Games Played By Position: 2020 Eligibility Notes
October 16, 2019
Clay Link looks at appearances by position and makes note of multi-position eligibility and lost eligibility for 2020.
The Z Files: Stealing Points
July 19, 2019
Todd Zola examines ways to improve your position in stolen bases and whether it's worth acquiring or deploying a speedster like Mallex Smith.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2019
2015
2014
2013
2012
Kratz knocked in a pair of runs in Game 2 of the NLDS after waiting until age 38 to finally play in a playoff game. It was a remarkable achievement for a player who didn't reach MLB until after his 30th birthday and who has appeared for seven different clubs, mostly as a third or fourth catcher. Heartwarming heroics aside, the veteran offered very little fantasy value and is unlikely to do so in 2019. His .236/.280/.355 line was in line with his career .211/.258/.363 mark. That's not enough to make for a particularly interesting option even if an injury were to open up a starting role. After the Yasmani Grandal signing, one of Kratz or Manny Pina will not break camp with the big club. At his age, the chance for a performance drop-off is far greater than the chance for a significant improvement, so unless your league has found a way to give points for catcher framing and veteran leadership, Kratz can safely be ignored during draft season.
Kratz arrived in Kansas City following a late-July deal with the Blue Jays and immediately usurped Brett Hayes as the primary backup to Salvador Perez. He appeared in 47 games last season between the Jays and Royals, but didn't contribute much from an offensive standpoint, slashing .218/.243/.391 with five home runs in 110 at-bats. The 6-foot-4 backstop will turn 35 in June, and has yet to see an opportunity for full-time work in the major leagues. This is unlikely to change in 2015, as Perez is one of the least-frequently rested catchers in baseball, appearing in 150 contests last season. Unless Perez's heavy usage finally catches up with him and he has to miss time due to injury, Kratz will once again serve in a limited role this season.
Kratz spent his first full season in the majors last season at the age of 33. He opened the year as the Phillies' starting catcher while Carlos Ruiz served a suspension, but outside of hitting some home runs, he did not do much with his opportunity. Kratz can have a little value as a second catcher in deep leagues thanks to his power potential, but his low contact rate makes him a batting average liability. The Blue Jays acquired Kratz as part of their overhaul behind the plate during the offseason, but he'll be placed in a backup role at best if he manages to make the Opening Day roster.
Kratz finally was rewarded for his determination last season as he received his first extended stint in the majors as a 32-year-old rookie. When Carlos Ruiz went down with an injury, Kratz seized the starting catching job away from Brian Schneider and sealed his role as Ruiz's backup for the 2013 season. Kratz has some pop in his bat, but his 20 percent HR/FB rate is likely unsustainable. With Carlos Ruiz suspended 25 games for a second positive amphetamine test, Kratz will be the starting catcher for the first month of the season and then resume a backup role.
Kratz will be in camp this spring as the Phillies' third catcher. He'll need an injury to Brian Schneider or Carlos Ruiz to have any shot at avoiding a return to Triple-A to start the season.
More Fantasy News
Won't play in ALDS
CNew York Yankees  
October 5, 2020
Kratz will not be on the roster for the ALDS against the Rays.
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Tallies two RBI in start
CNew York Yankees  
September 5, 2020
Kratz started behind the plate in Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Orioles and went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.
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Impact of Higashioka return unclear
CNew York Yankees  
August 31, 2020
Kratz could be designated for assignment by the Yankees when No. 2 backstop Kyle Higashioka returns from the injured list, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports.
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Joins 40-man roster
CNew York Yankees  
August 8, 2020
Kratz's contract was selected by the Yankees on Saturday.
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Chosen for taxi squad
CNew York Yankees  
August 7, 2020
Kratz is traveling with the Yankees this weekend as part of their five-man taxi squad, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
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