Auburn Catcher Chase Fralick Starts Season Strong

Fralick leads Tigers' deep catching corps after breakout freshman year

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Auburn catcher Chase Fralick, one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference last season as a true freshman, is off to a hot start in 2026 after an offseason focused on improving his body and leadership behind the plate. Fralick batted .335 with 4 home runs and 41 RBIs in 2025 and looks poised to take the next step in his progression this year, helping anchor a deep catching corps for the Tigers.

Why it matters

Catcher is considered one of the most important positions in baseball, and Auburn coach Butch Thompson has emphasized the need for a strong, branded catcher to lead the team. Fralick's continued development is crucial for the Tigers' success, as they look to make a deep postseason run in 2026.

The details

Fralick, a 6-2, 227-pound sophomore, had a strong opening weekend, going 6-for-12 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored as Auburn swept Youngstown State. The Tigers have built depth behind the plate, with Lucas Steele, Tanner Waldrop, true freshman Taylor Benza, and transfer Logan Gregoio all competing for playing time. But Fralick remains the clear leader of the group.

  • Fralick batted .335 with 4 home runs and 41 RBIs in 2025.
  • Auburn opened the 2026 season with a series sweep over Youngstown State.
  • The Tigers return to action on Tuesday, February 18th at 6 p.m. against Cincinnati.

The players

Chase Fralick

A 6-2, 227-pound sophomore catcher for the Auburn Tigers, Fralick was one of the top players in the SEC last season as a true freshman and is poised to take the next step in his progression in 2026.

Butch Thompson

The head coach of the Auburn Tigers baseball team, Thompson has emphasized the importance of having a strong, branded catcher to lead the team.

Lucas Steele

A catcher competing for playing time behind Fralick on the Auburn roster.

Tanner Waldrop

A catcher competing for playing time behind Fralick on the Auburn roster.

Taylor Benza

A true freshman catcher competing for playing time behind Fralick on the Auburn roster.

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What they’re saying

“You can't do this without a catcher. I always tell guys and tell the team often, I usually say the same stuff over and over, the nine world series teams all had branded catchers. I don't think I have ever seen a team go far and be porous at the catching position. It's huge.”

— Butch Thompson, Head Coach (247sports.com)

“We're so grateful to have Fralick. So much confidence in Lucas Steele. Thought he absolutely caught a great game with Petro. I was fired up to get Waldrop an at-bat, who has been here for a while. Taylor Belza, I'm pretty excited about him. We feel like we're pretty good at that spot, headlined by Fralick.”

— Butch Thompson, Head Coach (247sports.com)

What’s next

The Tigers return to action on Tuesday, February 18th at 6 p.m. against Cincinnati at Plainsman Park.

The takeaway

Fralick's continued development as a leader and impact player behind the plate will be crucial for Auburn's success in 2026, as the Tigers look to build on their strong start and make a deep postseason run with a deep and talented catching corps.