Although not typically seen as the flashiest role on either the field or in trade talks, the catcher is perhaps one of, if not the most vital parts of a lineup and such is taken into account come the trade deadline. Maintaining either a solid everyday catcher or a core of catchers that interchange roles in a manner that effectively serves their respective team is not the easiest task, as maintaining a healthy, durable catcher (let alone one that can provide offensive support) is often a hard task for clubs throughout the season.
Due to such, teams often find themselves scrambling to find that player who can provide them with a solid glove and positive presence behind the plate as they embark on the summer stretch ahead.
Much like last season when we witnessed the likes of George Kottaras and Geovany Soto being moved before the trade deadline, the market for catchers may not be “illustrious” as in past years. But nonetheless, the available backstops that may be available for teams to acquire in the coming weeks could get the job done for clubs looking to bolster their roster for the stretch ahead or clubs who are in need of a backstop to solidify their respective lineups.
With top prospect Travid d’Arnaud coming back from a foot injury, the Mets may be inclined to move Buck to free up some salary space, as his experience may make for a decent trade chip as teams may jump at the opportunity to include an experienced backstop to their roster. Despite the plausibility of this deal, the Mets may find it in their best interest to keep Buck for the rest of the season.
In the event that D’Arnaud runs into any setbacks or does not make a timely debut, Buck would be needed to supplant the roster in the meantime. Even when that time comes for D’Arnaud, having Buck around the clubhouse as a veteran voice and teacher would be invaluable for the Mets, as he would be able to show the young backstop the necessary ropes and the means to handle the rotation, while at the same time his contract would be cheap enough ($6 million) for New York to swallow for the rest of the season.
As for Doumit, team looking to garner a catcher to platoon and serve as a solid backup may find the Minnesota backstop as a viable option. Doumit is not the most complete player behind the plate, as he does not fit the mold as an everyday catcher, but has value as a backup and can be placed at first or designated hitter, as he boasts a solid bat with good pop.
The Minnesota Twins may be inclined to keep Doumit for the stretch ahead as he could give Joe Mauer, who has proved that the wear and tear of being an everyday catcher is taking its toll, plenty of rest days. If Doumit could take on around 40 games behind the plate for the Twins, Minnesota should feel comfortable in keeping his two-year, $7 million extension from last season.
Atlanta currently has three viable catching options in Brian McCann, Evan Gattis, and Gerald Laird, wherein they may be inclined to move one of the three as means to free up some salary space and bolster up the roster for a potential playoff run.
Gattis has proved that he is ready to serve as an everyday catcher, meaning that McCann could serve as a big-time trade chip for the Braves come July; however, teams may shy away as Atlanta’s asking price may be high for the All-Star catcher and to be fair, it would be hard to see Atlanta part ways with their veteran backstop in such a manner.
Best case scenario, trade away Laird in a modest, yet effective trade, as he offers teams a solid backup glove.
The Chicago Cubs’ Dioner Navarro is a free agent after the season and could be a serviceable backup, along with the Astros’ Carlos Corporan and the Angels’ Hank Conger, both of whom offer solid bats.
Two teams who may be affected the looming Biogenesis verdict are the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. Although Francisco Cervelli is currently on the DL, a possible suspension could lead the Yankees to look for a veteran backstop that could solidify that roster for a possible playoff run and to mentor the young catching tandem of Austin Romine and Chris Stewart.
The Padres’ Yasmani Grandal has already served a 50-game suspension (testosterone) and may be facing a possible 100-game suspension, which may force San Diego to turn to Nick Hundley. As a result, the Padres would need a viable backup for Hundley, as they may wish to bring in a veteran glove to bolster the roster (San Diego has a couple of catching prospects in the organization in Chris Robinson and Rene Rivera, but they may not be ready for a call-up pending the announcement of the Biogensis verdict).
As the month of June reaches its final days, July looms around the corner. With July will come a flurry of trades and acquisitions, some lackluster and others blockbuster. While trades involving catchers may be looked upon as more of the former, they will certainly be of high value for clubs in need of catching for the summer stretch ahead.
