Iván Herrera made history for the St. Louis Cardinals by hitting three home runs in a single game against the Los Angeles Angels, marking a milestone that even legendary catchers like Yadier Molina and Ted Simmons couldn't achieve in the franchise's 123-year existence. This triumphant performance included a solo shot, a two-run homer, and a three-run blast, totaling six RBIs. Herrera’s achievement is a source of pride for him, his family, and his country, as he aims to positively represent Panama in Major League Baseball. At just 24 years old, he’s already the fifth-youngest catcher to hit three homers in a game.

Herrera's success comes after being named the Cardinals' regular catcher this season following a position change for teammate Willson Contreras, showcasing his growing confidence and skill level. Manager Oliver Marmol praised Herrera’s work ethic, indicating that his potential is limitless. With a franchise-record 12 total bases for a catcher, he is establishing himself as a key asset for the team moving forward.

In a playful moment during a game against the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras decided to remove some batting tape from his bat's handle in a rather unconventional manner. Instead of simply discarding the tape, he opted to chew on it while at the plate, making for a rather humorous sight. While it’s a given that players often get creative with equipment adjustments, this might just take the cake for oddities on the field.

While we don't recommend this as a standard practice, Contreras' antics certainly brought some levity to the game. It's a reminder that baseball, while serious in competition, occasionally allows for moments of lightheartedness. Players are known for their superstitions and rituals at the plate, and this unique method was certainly unexpected. Fans and teammates might just hope he sticks to traditional methods moving forward!

Delving into the intricacies of fantasy baseball management, a well-regarded analyst openly shares insights and strategies, revealing which players shaped his drafts this season. The season included seven NFBC drafts with various team compositions, emphasizing both strategy and adaptability. Highlighted players include Jason Adam, whose late-round potential as a closer contrasts sharply with the struggles of Robert Suarez. Gavin Williams is spotlighted as a bold choice based on his mechanics and breakout potential. Willson Contreras stands out as an everyday first baseman, amplifying his value in a thin catcher market. Young talents like Dylan Crews and Nolan Schanuel are presented as essential future assets, while seasoned pitchers like Max Fried and Yu Darvish are analyzed for their potential risks and rewards within teams like the Yankees and Padres.

Drafting a catcher can be a daunting task in fantasy baseball, especially when some highly drafted players may not provide the value expected. Adley Rutschman, ranked as the second catcher in drafts, struggled significantly in the second half of 2024, hitting just .207 with a poor OPS. His declining bat speed and inability to handle right-handed pitching raise concerns about his performance moving forward. Will Smith also faced challenges, with rising strikeout rates indicating a potential decline as he approached 30. J.T. Realmuto's age is showing, with decreased power and stolen bases, suggesting a shift towards younger options may be prudent. Keibert Ruiz and Tyler Stephenson present additional risks with poor performance metrics that question their fantasy viability. The catcher's landscape is shifting, encouraging fantasy managers to explore alternatives for value.

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts should take note of the catchers to target and avoid based on their average draft positions (ADP). Willson Contreras, now with the St. Louis Cardinals and transitioning to full-time first base, shows promise for a breakout season, having put up impressive numbers despite limited playtime last year. J.T. Realmuto is a solid mid-round option; although he faced injuries, his late-season performance suggests he could bounce back strong. Austin Wells of the Yankees, positioned to be an everyday catcher, has demonstrated potential for a breakout campaign after a solid second half.

Conversely, Yainer Diaz from the Astros and Logan O'Hoppe of the Angels are catchers to avoid due to their high ADP relative to potential output. Diaz's power metrics are declining, while O'Hoppe may see his playing time reduced with the arrival of veteran Travis d'Arnaud. This analysis provides a strategic edge for fantasy players as they navigate their drafts.