MLB: Top Free Agent Catchers of 2016-17 Offseason
By Matt Meffe
The MLB hot stove is starting to heat up, and nobody is safe. Today, we look at top free agent catchers that may change teams this offseason.
As the MLB offseason rolls on, we have already seen some minor and major moves take place. The Mariners acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Danny Valencia from the Oakland Athletics. The Angels signed former Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The Braves signed pitchers Josh Collmenter, R.A. Dickey, and Bartolo Colon to one-year deals. The Rangers signed former highly-touted prospect Will Middlebrooks to a minor-league deal.
The Phillies also made a small splash by acquiring reliever Pat Neshek from the Astros, and utility player Howie Kendrick from the Dodgers. The Blue Jays arguably made the biggest move so far this offseason by reportedly signing designated hitter Kendrys Morales to a three-year deal. The team also signed Cuban prospect Lourdes Gurriel, younger brother of Yulieski Gurriel, to a seven-year deal.
There are many positions this offseason that are stacked with free agents. First basemen include Mark Trumbo, Ryan Howard, Edwin Encarnacion, James Loney, Mitch Moreland, Brandon Moss, and Mike Napoli. The outfield contains free agents Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Bautista, Dexter Fowler, Angel Pagan, Rajai Davis, and Ian Desmond. Pitchers include Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen, Mark Melancon, Joe Smith, and Boone Logan, as well as starters Jason Hammel and Edinson Volquez. One position we have yet to look at is catcher, a position that also contains a few big names on the market. Some of these catchers will possibly change teams during this offseason, and some may even receive big money deals.