Atlanta Braves Have Catching Options in 2017
By Joshua Mayer
Current Team: Chicago Cubs
Years Controlled: 2017
Career: .258/.342/.414
Salary: $14 Million
Miguel Montero could be a fallback option for the Braves depending on what the Cubs decide on his future. With the emergence of Willson Contreras, Montero and his $14 million salary may not be welcome on the Cubs in 2017.
I would imagine the Braves would be able to acquire Montero rather easily if the Cubs were looking to get rid of him. He has a rather ugly slashline of .200/.322/.313 this year, but had a useful .754 OPS in 2015.
Montero is also a veteran catcher who is well liked by his teammates. A steady, experienced presence would be welcome on the young Braves, and Montero could work nicely with the young pitching staff.
As a two-time All Star, Montero has had some very good offensive seasons in his past. He also rates amongst the game’s best at pitch framing. Any team, like the Braves, acquiring Montero would be betting that his hitting decline this year is not due to age, and instead due to bad luck or some sort of mechanical issue.
Next: An Oakland Option