Article: A Look At The Free Agent Catcher Market

[Nick Nelson]

Free agency officially kicked off on Tuesday morning. The Twins are very much in the market for a catcher, so today I thought we'd take a closer look at what is available.Yesterday, Parker unveiled our new Free Agent Tracker feature. This interactive database gives you a dynamic real-time look at players that are out there. By drilling the list down to catchers, we can get a specific view of the market for backstops.

 

Each of these player is covered in the Offseason Handbook – which you've got grab if you haven't. (Donation-based download, free if you like!)

 

Let's take a deeper look at the pages concerning this position:

 

Download attachment: gmhbfac1.png

 

Just a terrible break for Wilson Ramos. A qualifying offer would have been a no-brainer prior to his devastating September knee injury, but now the Nationals had no choice but pass. His recovery will stretch well into next season, and his long-term future behind the plate is somewhat in doubt. His agent has suggested Ramos will seek a four to five year deal. Will that offer come? Probably not from the Twins.

 

Matt Wieters is more plausible. The Orioles declined to extend a QO so he hits the open market unencumbered. The switch-hitter had one of the worst seasons of his career, with terrible timing, but was still a very solid player who's not that old.

 

Download attachment: gmhbfac2.png

 

Jason Castro is my personal favorite among the free agent catchers. He was our choice in in the Twins Daily offseason blueprint. He ranks as one of the game's very elite pitch-framing specialists, and he's a capable hitter who can put the ball over the fence. Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press tweeted on Tuesday night that the Twins have expressed preliminary interest in Castro and plan to meet with his agent on Wednesday.

 

But if the Twins want to take a less emphatic dive into the market, and aren't ready to give up on John Ryan Murphy quite yet, Alex Avila makes sense. As a lefty swinger he complements Murphy well and as a guy who's been around for eight years – many of them spent with dominant Tigers clubs – he might bring some of the veteran leadership that the Twins seem to be pursuing.

 

Download attachment: gmhbfac3.png

 

The remainder of this free agent class doesn't really possess anyone who could be viewed as a starter or even a primary timeshare partner. The Twins need to be aiming higher than a backup. That's just the reality.

 

What are your thoughts? Who would you target among this crop? Or would you shift your focus to another acquisition avenue in addressing this critical spot?

 

Click here to view the article

[TheLeviathan]

Castro or Avila seem like the best bets.

[King]

I'd be very happy with Castro. I don't think he's going to get a lot of money, but is a decent contributor across the board, and is only 29 years old. 

[sthpstm]

He's not a free agent, but I think Derek Norris is still worth a look, particularly if you think Garver can be effective by mid-season.

He gets good defensive ratings, but what little I can find on framing is mixed. He used to be okay, then took at dive in early 2015 before climbing back up. I would be curious how he rated in 2016. If it is okay, he may be worth a try.

[Jacksson]

Castro will be a hot property and will go where he has an opportunity to win which excludes the Twins.  What about some DEFENSIVE  metrics on the remaining MLB free agent catchers: Avila, Ellis, Hanigan, Hundley, Mathis and Soto?  Maybe a reunion with Drew?  Otherwise, what is available through minor league free agency and the Rule 5 Draft?

[operation mindcrime]

MLBTradeRumors reports that were going to talk to Castro's representatives today! They predicted he'd get two years for $15MM. from the White Sox. \m/

[KirbyDome89]

I can't say I'm even the least bit excited at the prospect of signing Alex Avila. If the Twins can snag an elite defensive catcher like Castro I'm all for it. The fact that he can occasionally hit is an added bonus. Obviously, I would like to see them go after Wieters. I was hoping they would last offseason before he accepted Baltimore's QO. For the Twins, he would be a big contract, but he certainly would be an upgrade over anybody they have coming up through the minors, and it would plug a massive hole for the foreseeable future. 

[Deduno Abides]

Iannetta is supposed to be good defensively. If that's true and he comes cheap, he'd be a good short term option.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I don't see why signing Castro would also mean the Twins are giving up on Murphy? Couldn't they work together (or Garver?) as a good tandem? The Cubs used 3 catchers (not that, it always works) but it's not like one guy can catch more than 100-120 games a year in today's game any longer while staying productive.

[beckmt]

I am OK with what the Twins have at catcher, feeling Garver will be up at midseason if not sooner.  Castro looks like an overpay, but would be the best of what is out there for an OK price.  Rest of FA catchers are over the hill and suspect in one form or another.  I would rather find out what Garver has than to overpay when other areas are in greater need. 

[gSutter]

Castro would be my #1 target by a large margin. Avila does not excite me since he seems to be injured a lot of the time. Butera would be my 2nd choice, I know he doesn't hit much but I'm looking for defense and someone who can help tutor Murphy and Garver. I don't know much about the minor league free agent catchers but that would be my fall back option.

[DocBauer]

Nothing against Winters, but I'm not in favor of a big contract to an aging catcher. I'm in favor of Avila as a veteran influence and part time player who swings from the left side. I'm in favor of going all in on Garver at this point.

 

He is still relatively young and seems to have real hitting potential with decent pop and a good arm. We're young in the OF, 3B, 2B, possibly DH, with a mix of youth in the rotation and bullpen. Why not a young catcher with talent and potential and a veteran to work with him?

[Mike Sixel]

"overpay"....that's the market price for players.....

 

I have been asking the Twins to acquire Castro for 2 years....so I still hope that.

[Vanimal46]

Castro or Wieters works for me. Standing pat with Centeno/JRM would be the worst decision out of all the possibilities IMO... 

[Mike Sixel]

Centeno does nothing well. Why keep him, unless you are 100% promoting Garver and are going to let him play (hahahahaha, Molitor let a young guy play w/o an injury forcing his hand....hahahahaha).*

 

*other than DanSan, of course

[Cory Engelhardt]

 

I am OK with what the Twins have at catcher, feeling Garver will be up at midseason if not sooner.  Castro looks like an overpay, but would be the best of what is out there for an OK price.  Rest of FA catchers are over the hill and suspect in one form or another.  I would rather find out what Garver has than to overpay when other areas are in greater need. 

 

Garver has had concussion issues (who hasn't, especially if you are a catcher) but he only managed to play in 60 games in 2016 at catcher, and only 77 games in 2015. I hope he can make it as well, but absolutely counting on him to be a full time savior for this time is folly. They NEED to address the position with someone from the outside, and Castro would be an excellent choice.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Centeno does nothing well. Why keep him, unless you are 100% promoting Garver and are going to let him play (hahahahaha, Molitor let a young guy play w/o an injury forcing his hand....hahahahaha).*

 

*other than DanSan, of course

with new management and new investment in personnel evaluation and analytics, we could see Molitor change some of his tactics.

 

I am also a strong proponent of Castro

[HitInAPinch]

Think Big, or Go Home:  I'd take a shot at Ramos.  Injured, no QA from Nationals.  1 year contract for recovery time plus option year.  Not sure how I'd structure that, as Ramos would probably bolt after 1st year if fully recovered.

 

Weiters.  Another, 'why not' ?  From MLBTR:  "Wieters also didn’t receive strong framing reviews, though he was solid with his arm by measure of Baseball Prospectus."  Would OK framing be OK for Twins pitchers?  Take a shot at a lot less than the $17M he made last year? His hitting was off last year.  Which included 17 HR's.

 

Avila:  "Fangraphs' measure of catching defense, Avila ranked second in the major leagues in 2014. He also led the American League, throwing out 36 baserunners attempting to steal. Avila was second in caught stealing percentage, and had a league-best three passed balls among qualified catchers."

 

Castro.  Probably the safest bet, if he can hit anything.  Good 'change of scenario' bet?

 

Take a whack at Ramos, but would be happy with either Castro or Avila.

 

[Vote for Gardy]

I think it's a position they need a young to be part of the young nucleus they are building. Garver is close and giving on Murphy this early would be a mistake. They aren't gonna contend anyway most likely just as well let the young guys take their lumps like they have been doing with most of the other positions. A veteran backup that can be a leader like Redmond did wouldn't be a bad idea and see what Centeno and Murphy can do

[Cory Engelhardt]

 

I think it's a position they need a young to be part of the young nucleus they are building. Garver is close and giving on Murphy this early would be a mistake. They aren't gonna contend anyway most likely just as well let the young guys take their lumps like they have been doing with most of the other positions. A veteran backup that can be a leader like Redmond did wouldn't be a bad idea and see what Centeno and Murphy can do

 

I absolutely disagree with this. Someone like Castro can come in and help the young pitching staff improve over the next two years or so (maybe 3) and then he can also help work with Murphy/Garver etc. It's not like the catcher position is only one guy. But, trusting every single position on your team to young players, especially when they don't have quality veterans to look up to and work with, that doesn't help.

Centeno does not belong on a MLB roster.

[beckmt]

 

I absolutely disagree with this. Someone like Castro can come in and help the young pitching staff improve over the next two years or so (maybe 3) and then he can also help work with Murphy/Garver etc. It's not like the catcher position is only one guy. But, trusting every single position on your team to young players, especially when they don't have quality veterans to look up to and work with, that doesn't help.

Centeno does not belong on a MLB roster.

Which of you is going to spend $9 million a year on Castro for a 2 - 3 year contract.  Mlbtraderumors pegs him at 2/$15 and I feel that may be low considering the number of teams that need a good catcher who hits a little.  Do not feel like this is the correct line and his agents could only use the Twins to drive up the price as an in demand FA is not likely to play here with little chance to make the playoffs.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Which of you is going to spend $9 million a year on Castro for a 2 - 3 year contract.  Mlbtraderumors pegs him at 2/$15 and I feel that may be low considering the number of teams that need a good catcher who hits a little.  Do not feel like this is the correct line and his agents could only use the Twins to drive up the price as an in demand FA is not likely to play here with little chance to make the playoffs.

 

Then, just sit out FA? And international markets? this rebuild will take forever.

[beckmt]

 

Then, just sit out FA? And international markets? this rebuild will take forever.

No, but do not spend resources on players that will not be here in 3 years.  That is why I am in favor of signing an ace reliever and an ace starter next offseason.  Do not waste money on players just to get a little better next year.

[EGFTShaw]

This one is a no-brainer via the FA Market.

Either you get Wilson Ramos on a good deal or no one at all.

No one else adds any improved value either via hitting or defensively to make any sense.

I would even go 4 years for Wilson for a couple of reasons.

1) He always could hit, he throws out 40% of the base stealers.  A plus over who have now.
2) If/When our catching prospects are ready, you could trade him to a contender that needs a catcher/hitter.

The rest of the FA options aren't worth the ink to sign them from the Twins POV.

[Mike Sixel]

 

No, but do not spend resources on players that will not be here in 3 years.  That is why I am in favor of signing an ace reliever and an ace starter next offseason.  Do not waste money on players just to get a little better next year.

 

I don't see anyone saying sign Castro for 1 year......

[EGFTShaw]

 

Which of you is going to spend $9 million a year on Castro for a 2 - 3 year contract.  Mlbtraderumors pegs him at 2/$15 and I feel that may be low considering the number of teams that need a good catcher who hits a little.  Do not feel like this is the correct line and his agents could only use the Twins to drive up the price as an in demand FA is not likely to play here with little chance to make the playoffs.

You can take Keith Law's opinion with a grain of salt, he was wrong after all about the Twins drafting Jose Berrios....  

I quote: "but I also don't see much upside here beyond a fringy regular unless he can suddenly start making more contact."

Not worth the ink.  Id rather push our catchers instead of spending $$.  Ramos has a better arm and infinitely better bat.

[Vanimal46]

 

No, but do not spend resources on players that will not be here in 3 years.  That is why I am in favor of signing an ace reliever and an ace starter next offseason.  Do not waste money on players just to get a little better next year.

There's a good 3 year window where the Twins can afford a FA premium contract before Sano, Buxton, Kepler, etc. are due to become multi-millionaires. Teams don't transform from 60+ win teams to 90+ win teams overnight. They have to make improvements, get a little better, before jumping back into a sustained contender. 

[Mike Sixel]

 

You can take Keith Law's opinion with a grain of salt, he was wrong after all about the Twins drafting Jose Berrios....  

I quote: "but I also don't see much upside here beyond a fringy regular unless he can suddenly start making more contact."

Not worth the ink.  Id rather push our catchers instead of spending $$.  Ramos has a better arm and infinitely better bat.

 

Ah, so if someone is wrong on something, you should never listen to them. That leaves, um, zero people to listen to or do work. Seriously.

[beckmt]

 

There's a good 3 year window where the Twins can afford a FA premium contract before Sano, Buxton, Kepler, etc. are due to become multi-millionaires. Teams don't transform from 60+ win teams to 90+ win teams overnight. They have to make improvements, get a little better, before jumping back into a sustained contender. 

That is why I believe that you have a 4 - 5 year window before this team becomes expensive.  Or you spend money on rebound players hoping to move them at the deadline.  Falvey and Levine have good track records on finding young pitchers at the A or A+ level.  You try and get one of them thrown in for every deal you make.  I believe in spending in the international market, but make your dollars count.

Not every deal will work out, but the Dodgers and the Cubs both greatly improved their farm system by spending the money here.  

Problem with Holland(who I like) is that he will want to reenter the market after two years, so would sign only if the money was right.  Just do not want to throw money at marginal FA's that may or may not work out, unless the money is so small it does not matter(somewhere in the less than $3 million range)

[Mike Sixel]

 

That is why I believe that you have a 4 - 5 year window before this team becomes expensive.  Or you spend money on rebound players hoping to move them at the deadline.  Falvey and Levine have good track records on finding young pitchers at the A or A+ level.  You try and get one of them thrown in for every deal you make.  I believe in spending in the international market, but make your dollars count.

Not every deal will work out, but the Dodgers and the Cubs both greatly improved their farm system by spending the money here.  

Problem with Holland(who I like) is that he will want to reenter the market after two years, so would sign only if the money was right.  Just do not want to throw money at marginal FA's that may or may not work out, unless the money is so small it does not matter(somewhere in the less than $3 million range)

 

sounds like you are in full rebuild mode.....and, if you are punting next year, you are saying they have a 3 year window, good luck with that all working out.