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Inbox: What are Braves’ plans at catcher?
- Updated: November 23, 2016
What are the Braves’ options in terms of catchers? — Brian C., Danville, Va.
The Braves have made it clear their search for a catcher is more a want than a need. In other words, while they are interested to see if they can upgrade the position, they would be fine entering next season with Anthony Recker once again serving as Tyler Flowers’ backup.
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In fact, now that Jason Castro has signed with the Twins and Brian McCann has been traded to the Astros, the most likely development might be that the Braves will stick with their incumbent backstops. Nick Hundley and Kurt Suzuki remain potential free-agent targets, but as right-handed hitters, neither is considered to be as attractive to Atlanta as Castro was, who would have provided a nice left-right mix with Flowers, but not necessarily at the price (three years, $24 million) the Twins paid.
While the Braves looked at the possibility of acquiring McCann, they weren’t willing to make the same financial commitment as the Astros, who agreed to take on $23 million of the $34 million the 32-year-old catcher is owed over the next two seasons. The Braves might have been willing to assume $14-16 million of the remaining contract, but that would have required a more significant return package than the Astros.
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As for questions about why the Yankees asked for Mike Foltynewicz and Ender Inciarte when the Braves inquired about McCann during the latter part of this past season, New York was still in playoff contention and had no reason to part ways with the seven-time All-Star at that particular time. So, it made sense to ask for something ridiculous.
Why are the Braves looking for another catcher? It seemed like Recker played well when given an opportunity. — Bill K., Raleigh, N.C.
Given he was purchased from the Indians for next to nothing in early May, you could say Recker exceeded expectations when he was called to the Majors in July after …
