Rays Rumors: Tampa Bay May Target Catcher

The Tampa Bay Rays made the playoffs last season and are considered to have one of the game’s best starting rotations.  They seemingly upgraded their offense during the offseason and are considered contenders in the American League.  With this being the case, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times believes that the Rays could look to upgrade one of their weakest positions; catcher.  Topkin names Geovany Soto (Cubs), A.J. Pierzynski (White Sox), Kurt Suzuki (Athletics), Miguel Olivo (Mariners), Chris Snyder (Astros), George Kottaras (Brewers) and Bobby Wilson (Angels) as possible acquisitions for the Rays.

It’s no secret that Tampa Bay is currently lacking in the catching department.  The Rays went out and signed veteran free agent Jose Molina this offseason, though the 36-year-old is only available on a part-time basis due to his age and build.  Tampa Bay was hoping Jose Lobaton would complete the other half of a catching platoon with Molina, though a lingering shoulder injury has sidelined him for the start of the season.

At this point Topkin sees the Rays “browsing” the market and sticking with Molina and Chris Gimenez behind the plate.  However, if Lobaton’s shoulder keeps him out and Molina continues to struggle at the plate, Topkin believes the Rays could target a catcher this summer.

Three high-profile catchers that are expected to be available this July are Kurt Suzuki, A.J. Pierzynski and Geovany Soto as the A’s, White Sox and Cubs are all going through rebuilding periods.  If the Rays were uninterested in the market’s larger names, Topkin said the club could instead look to a lower profile player such as Chris Snyder, Bobby Wilson, Miguel Olivo or George Kottaras.

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