The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to see their young core validated on a national stage, and this time it’s Gabriel Moreno drawing the spotlight. The D-backs catcher was named one of the top 10 catchers in baseball by MLB Network as part of its annual Top 10 Right Now rankings, reinforcing what Arizona has believed for years: Moreno is already among the elite at his position.
Moreno checked in at No. 6 on the list, finishing one spot ahead of Astros catcher Yainer Díaz and just behind former Blue Jays teammate Alejandro Kirk. Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh topped the rankings following his monster 2025 campaign, but Moreno’s presence near the top speaks volumes about his two-way value. He also represents the third Diamondbacks player to crack a top-10 list this offseason, joining Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo as pillars of Arizona’s roster.
For a team that places a premium on defense, versatility, and long-term upside, Moreno’s rise feels less like a surprise and more like a confirmation of the plan paying off.
Gabriel Moreno’s Defense Separates Him From the Pack
Moreno’s calling card remains his work behind the plate. Since arriving in Arizona in 2023, he has developed a reputation as one of the game’s most complete defensive catchers, blending advanced metrics with the trust of pitchers. MLB Network noted that Moreno ranks among the league leaders in catcher Defensive Runs Saved since 2023, a reflection of his framing, blocking, and ability to control the running game.
That defensive excellence showed up early in his career, most notably when Moreno won the National League Gold Glove at catcher in 2023. Even as his workload has fluctuated due to injuries, his defensive metrics have consistently landed in the above-average to elite range. Pitchers have praised his preparation and feel for sequencing, traits that don’t always show up in box scores but matter deeply to a pitching staff navigating a long season.
There were stretches in 2025 when veteran James McCann took on a larger role, particularly during Moreno’s recovery from a fractured hand. Still, the Diamondbacks view Moreno as their long-term answer behind the plate, and this ranking reinforces that belief.
Offensive Maturity Makes Moreno a Cornerstone For Arizona
While defense sets the foundation, Moreno’s offensive growth is what elevates him into top-10 territory. In 2025, he posted a .285 batting average with a .353 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging mark, good for a 117 wRC+. That production came despite limited playing time, as Moreno appeared in just 83 games due to injury.
Moreno’s approach at the plate is contact-driven, with a willingness to use the whole field and avoid chasing pitches out of the zone. He doesn’t profile as a classic power-hitting catcher, but his ability to consistently put the ball in play adds balance to the Diamondbacks’ lineup. When healthy, he gives Arizona a reliable bat at a position where many teams are forced to accept offensive trade-offs.
At just 25 years old, Moreno already owns a Gold Glove, multiple top-10 positional rankings, and the trust of a contending organization. The health questions remain the primary obstacle between him and true stardom, but the ceiling is clear. For the Diamondbacks, Moreno’s No. 6 ranking isn’t just a snapshot of where he is now—it’s a reminder of how central he is to what the franchise believes it can become.
Diamondbacks’ Catcher Earns Top-10 Ranking From MLB Network