Caleb Joseph

Baltimore's longtime backup catcher is set to reprise his role once again in 2018 after a successful bounce-back campaign in 2017. Joseph, who went without a single RBI in 2016, drove in 28 runs and chipped in 23 extra-base hits across 89 games as the reserve catcher behind Welington Castillo. Now that Castillo is no longer in the mix in Baltimore, the Orioles believe the time is now for Chance Sisco to take over as the top backstop. With that, Joseph is set to be the backup catcher once again; however, Sisco's lack of track record at the major-league level could result in Joseph seeing more playing time than the average backup. Still, Joseph's minuscule 3.8 percent walk rate and a .287 OBP suggest he'll merely be a low-end option in two-catcher AL-only leagues.

As the Orioles backup catcher, Joseph's fantasy value has been correlated with Matt Wieters' health over the past few seasons. Wieters missed significant time in 2014 and 2015, and Joseph was the main beneficiary, appearing in 82 and 100 games, respectively. The 2016 season was a different story, as Wieters was able to stay relatively healthy and Joseph missed extended time with a groin injury. Joseph, who has never been much of an offensive threat, struggled mightily in his limited playing time, hitting for a .174 average and failing to drive in a single run all season. He recorded only three extra-base hits and ended the season with an ISO of .023. Despite his forgettable performance, Joseph should retain his backup role heading into 2017. The Orioles signed Welington Castillo to a one-year deal with a player option for a second year. Look for Castillo to start four or five days each week with Joseph picking up the remaining starts.

Joseph was the surprise beneficiary of Matt Wieters' elbow injury in 2014, and he ended up with an extra dose of playing time in 2015 when Wieters continued to struggle with ailments. That afforded Joseph 100 games and he took the opportunity to improve his K rate (25.1 percent in 2014, 20.3 percent in 2015). Still, it's likely that Joseph will always be a better defender than hitter. Unfortunately for Joseph, he is probably the only person in the organization who was not a fan of Wieters' decision to accept a qualifying offer for an additional season with the Orioles. That means Joseph will take on a backup role as long as Wieters is healthy. Leagues that have two catcher spots might benefit by carrying both Baltimore backstops. Wieters still has arm concerns, he can also play first base, or he can be traded if the team struggles. All these potential paths to playing time are a good thing for Joseph.

Having passed Johnny Monell on the organizational depth chart after an outstanding 2013 season at Double-A Bowie (.299/.346/.494 with 22 homers and 97 RBI), Joseph was next in line for a promotion to Baltimore when the team needed a replacement for Matt Wieters (elbow) behind the plate in early May. The Orioles brought in the more experienced Nick Hundley from San Diego when Wieters' injury forced him out of action completely, and he and Joseph split time at catcher throughout the rest of the regular season and into October. Joseph certainly didn't endear himself to coaches or fans early on, slashing just .187/.262/.308 in the first half, but the 28-year-old got hot in early August, homering in five straight games, a record for Baltimore backstops. He went on a more dubious stretch in September, finishing the regular season on an 0-for-30 slide, during which he struck out 13 times while walking once (25.1% K% for season). Wieters is expected back to begin the year, but with Hundley gone, Joseph would be in line to inherit the true primary role should Wieters' elbow present more issues.