Reds hoping to add veteran catching depth

CINCINNATI — The Reds’ offseason shopping list includes adding catching depth behind Devin Mesoraco and Tucker Barnhart. But for that spot to be filled, a potential third catcher might have to take a leap of faith and have a willingness to be flexible.

That’s because the playing time any new catcher will receive is unknown heading into Spring Training. The X-factor is Mesoraco, who has been limited to catching 18 games over the past two seasons because of injuries. The 28-year-old had labrum surgery on each of his hips and another on his non-throwing shoulder in that span.

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Mesoraco and Reds officials believe he can come back 100 percent after his rehabilitation. He is slated to resume catching drills later this month, but his readiness for the upcoming season remains unclear. Even if he passes every test with flying colors, he likely won’t get a 130-game workload and will split time with Barnhart, who filled in very well in 2016.

Having a third catcher would give manager Bryan Price flexibility to use one of his catchers as a pinch-hitter without being strapped defensively, and the addition of an unselfish veteran willing to catch once a week — like David Ross with the Cubs the past two years — could also help the other catchers and pitching staff improve.

Cincinnati added Stuart Turner as a Rule 5 selection in December, but that is no guarantee he will stay on the 25-man roster the whole season. If general manager Dick Williams goes the free-agent route, here are some options among available catchers:

Josh Thole Once a promising catcher for the Mets, the 30-year-old Thole lacks offense, as he hit .200/.275/.248 over …

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