Revolution on Track: Dive into F1’s Top 10 Performance Revivals this Weekend!
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Hunter Feduccia #9 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Last week, we took a look at the early returns from the outfield group. This week, we’ll turn our attention to the catchers.
The front office addressed this area at last season’s trade deadline by acquiring Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia. This duo is likely to handle the majority of the reps at catcher this season, and I expect Dom Keegan will have an opportunity to contribute a bit later this season. Fortes is a plus defender across the board while Feduccia grades as roughly average in blocking and throwing but above average as a receiver.
There aren’t many concerns about their defensive skill sets, but both are looking to turn in better offensive seasons than what they showed so far in their major league careers. Early Spring Training data suggests the Rays may get more offensive production from the catching position in 2026 – particularly through improved contact and stronger raw power indicators. 11.
9% … is the combined whiff rate for Fortes and Feduccia so far this spring. That’s a significant improvement from the 26. 0% whiff rate Rays catchers posted in 2025.
The front office has quietly been moving towards a more contact-oriented offense, and this change has impacted the catching group as well. More balls in play should lead to a more efficient offensive output – even if some of those balls in play simply move runners along. I don’t think a sub 15% whiff rate is realistic as the wear-and-tear of the position could affect them later in the year, but around 20% seems possible and likely.