The Atlanta Braves are dead set on contending in 2017 when they open their new ballpark. Though they have some up-and coming talent, the all important position of catcher seems to be an empty void waiting to be filled.
With the incredible arrival of New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, the future of incumbent starter Brian McCann is up in the air. And the Atlanta Braves are interested.
In mid-August, FanRag Sports reporter Jon Heyman reported the Braves had preliminary discussions about bringing McCann back to the team he had spent his first nine years with.
Heyman has also linked Atlanta to upcoming free agents including Wilson Ramos and Matt Wieters. Many expect the Braves search for a veteran backstop to span far and wide.
Currently, the team employs 39 year old AJ Pierzynski, along with Tyler Flowers and Anthony Recker. While this list leaves a lot to be desired, both Flowers and Recker have performed admirably this season.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at all of the options the Braves will look at for their starting catcher next season. I have ranked the following players by the likelihood that they will be behind the plate when the Braves open their new ballpark in April of 2017.
Next: An Incumbent