Ivan Herrera Is the Best Argument for Bat-First Catchers in 2026 Fantasy Baseball

The value for catchers has gotten wonky in the age of ABS, and no player is better example of that than Ivan Herrera.

The Cardinals' backstop is spending less time behind the dish in 2026, but his value hasn't diminished. In fact, Herrera has become an undervalued asset on the rebuilding St. Louis squad and a prime example of a bat-first catcher in the new ABS era.

Just because the fantasy market is slow to catch up doesn't mean fantasy managers have to be. Here's the skinny on Herrera and what he brings to the table in 2026.

The Production Line: What Herrera Has Actually Done Since Late 2025

Despite sustaining two major injuries in 2025, Herrera went off in September of last season with a .276/.394/.575 slash line and a scorching .969 OPS. And it wasn't a fluke. He does more bouncing between catcher and designated hitter to take stress off his legs in 2026, but he has stayed productive by hitting .267/.398/.431.

The advanced metrics are even more impressive. Herrera is clocking an insane .829 OPS, which shows he is hitting for power and quality and not just getting lucky at the plate. (Not to mention that it is well over the .707 league average.) He adds a .371 xwOBA (measuring exit velocity and launch angle) which is top-5 among catchers this season, according to Statcast.

Then, there's the FanGraphs wRC+ metric, which measures a batter's value compared to the league average at 100. Herrera ranks 22nd in the league and fourth among catchers with a 138 wRC+, which shows he has a meaningful edge given how then catcher production is across the MLB.

The New Catcher Math: What ABS Actually Changes for Fantasy Valuation

So if all that fancy math lines up for Herrera, why is he being undervalued? Fantasy managers can thank the MLB's new ABS Challenge System for that.

The automated structure has shrunken the strike zone and diminished the premium put on pitch-framers. At the same time, some MLB squads have transitioned to a two-catcher tandem that gives backstops more days off from catching but keeps them in the lineup as designated hitters. (Athlon touched on this tactic here.)



This is where things get messy. The market is penalizing bat-first catchers for defensive inefficiencies. But in actuality, catchers like Herrera are playing more often because they fill the DH role instead of having the day off. And that gives these catchers added fantasy value.

The Cardinals Situation: Why Herrera's Playing Time Is More Secure Than It Looks

To be fair, it's understandable to think Herrera's role has decreased because he splits time behind the plate 60/40 with Pedro Pages. The backup is a legit defensive catcher, which could suggest that Herrera's bat-first profile puts him at risk of being benched in tough situations.

On the contrary, St. Louis is a rebuilding team with no major incentive to play a bat-first catcher. Herrera happens to be one of the best hitters on the team, which will keep him in the lineup regardless of whether he's catching or not.

That means the Cardinals have more flexibility with pitcher-catcher combos, and that Herrera has a secure spot in the lineup. And that means more opportunities for fantasy production.

The Fantasy Verdict: How to Use Herrera Based on Your Current Roster

Thanks to dual eligibility, a top-25 wRC+, and red-hot OPS, Herrera is a priority add (or hold) across fantasy formats. The metrics show he is hitting for quality and not just getting lucky, and that his at-bat production is sustainable through the season. Even though fantasy managers have to check his catching schedule next to Pages, Herrera is an everyday starter in one-catcher leagues and a solid second catcher in deeper league formats.

Questions About Ivan Herrera, Answered

Is Ivan Herrera worth rostering in fantasy baseball in 2026?

Yes. Herrera has produced strong offensive numbers, including an OPS above .800 and a 138 wRC+, making him a priority add or hold across fantasy formats.

Will Pedro Pages limit Ivan Herrera's playing time in 2026?

Not significantly. Herrera remains one of the Cardinals' best hitters and can stay in the lineup as either a catcher or designated hitter, giving him a secure path to regular at-bats.

How has ABS changed fantasy catcher value in 2026?

ABS has reduced the premium placed on pitch framing, increasing the value of productive bat-first catchers who can remain in lineups more frequently.

What is Ivan Herrera's wRC+ and OPS in 2026?

Herrera owns a 138 wRC+ and an .829 OPS, placing him among the most productive catchers in baseball.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 2:42 PM.