Potential Free Agents: Top Five Catchers
By Aaron Somers
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
5. Kurt Suzuki
Suzuki’s inclusion here might come as a surprise to some. It’s indicative of just how weak the potential catching market will be, as there aren’t many alternatives who could have potentially stepped into this spot. John Buck would presumably be atop that short list (unless you were to have faith in Dioner Navarro or Geovany Soto as better options). Buck got off to a strong start to the 2013 season, but cooled off considerably before the New York Mets shipped him off to the Pittsburgh Pirates in August. Collectively he’s hit just .222/.289/.368 in 422 PA on the year. He’s struck out a lot (101 times in 107 games) but he’s been pretty reliable defensively, having thrown out 30% of opposing base stealers. Buck’s never been able to be consistent, however, which will always be his drawback.
Suzuki, on the other hand, might not have the same flare that Buck might bring to the table. He’s not the same power threat – Buck has 15 HR on the year, Suzuki just 4 – but he’ll bring a more balanced approach to the plate. In 310 PA between the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics he’s hit .232/.289/.329, with just 35 strikeouts. Suzuki was re-acquired by the A’s because they had multiple injuries to their catching corps, but he’s also proven an ability to handle a young pitching staff and has been reliable defensively. He’s also two years younger than Buck and likely to be more affordable.
Oakland holds an $8.5 Million team option for 2014 but it appears unlikely that they’ll exercise it, instead paying a $650,000 buyout which will allow Suzuki to become a free agent. The A’s will already have John Jaso and Derek Norris under contract for next season, limiting the team’s need to make a significant investment to keep Suzuki around.