MLB Free Agency: Best Fits for Matt Wieters
Veteran catcher Matt Wieters has called Baltimore, Maryland his home since 2009. As he goes through MLB free agency for the first time, he may be calling someplace else home in 2017.
Matt Wieters has always been one of those guys that just flies under the radar. Never really putting together an amazing year, Wieters has consistently produced in his career and has gone unnoticed. With guys like Buster Posey, Yadier Molina, and Jonathan Lucroy, Wieters can get lost in the fold. However, for most of his career, in a full year Wieters floats around the 20 home run mark. Also, before his injury in 2014 Wieters was statistically one of the best fielding catchers in the game. The four-time all-star, two-time Gold Glover has shown he can be a key player for any team.
However, Wieters hasn’t been the same since his injury. His defensive numbers have dipped, and while they improved last season they are not what they one were. Wieters had the second worst batting average of his career last season. Despite him hitting a good amount of home runs, 17 in 464 plate appearances, he isn’t the star caliber player that he was four, five years ago. Despite this, Wieters was actually elected an all-star last season.
Although it was statistically one of his worst hitting years in his career, the improvement in the defensive numbers are what helped him make his case. Sure, they weren’t to the extent that they were when he won a Gold Glove, but they were good enough to make up the slack from his offensive output. Because of this, Wieters posted a 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, his highest since 2013. This made Wieters the 14th most valuable catcher in the big leagues.
So, despite the down trend in numbers Wieters can still produce at the big league level and help a team win. If put in the right situations, Wieters could excel in 2017.
Baltimore Orioles
Wieters staying home with the Baltimore Orioles is definitely an option in this off-season. Without Wieters, Baltimore’s listed starting catcher is Caleb Joseph. Joseph hasn’t really put up the greatest numbers either. In 132 at-bats last season Joseph batted .174 without a single home run or run batted in. However, we will let this slide because Joseph suffered perhaps the most feared injury of an adult man.
Regardless of that, without Wieters the Baltimore Orioles don’t have much production behind the plate. Not to mention that the free agent market for catchers is exceedingly thin this off-season. The only starting caliber catchers available in MLB free agency this year are Wieters, Wilson Ramos, Kurt Suzuki, and maybe Nick Hundley. The only one of these catchers more valuable than Wieters is Ramos, so unless the Orioles manage to bring in Wilson Ramos, Wieters should be a high priority.
Wieters should be even more of a priority considering that Baltimore potentially may lose a surplus of talent. Mark Trumbo, Pedro Alvarez, Steve Pearce, and Wieters are all free agents. Losing all of these bats would considerable hurt their offensive numbers as they live and breathe the home run. Retaining Wieters could be a step in the right direction for Baltimore, instead of taking a chance with an injured Ramo,s the Orioles may be wise to stick to what they know.
Heck, they may even be able to convince their other free agents to remain in Baltimore if they can retain the veteran captain Matt Wieters.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers may already have their starting catcher in Yasmani Grandal, but that doesn’t mean they wont pursue somebody like Matt Wieters. Despite being a switch hitter, Grandal is not very prolific against left-handed pitching. With A.J. Ellis gone and Carlos Ruiz in Seattle, the Dodgers have no reliable catcher to hit left-handed pitching.
Sure, back up Austin Barnes may be a good option, but he is still very young and likely may see himself have a lot of time at second base. Matt Wieters could provide that veteran catching presence that Los Angeles no longer has and could provide as a good platoon option for the Dodgers.
Last season, Wieters did not put up the most impressive numbers against left-handed pitching, but in his career they have been good. Lifetime, Wieters has batted .273 against left-handed pitching. His power numbers are way better as well, as he has hit only 37 less home runs against lefties in just over 1500 less plate appearances. Against left-handers he averages a homer in ever 21.65 at bats, against right-handers every 29.44 at bats. These numbers don’t jump out to you, but are significantly better than the Los Angeles Team that fails to hit left-handed pitching.
Yasmani Grandal, on the other hand, has posted a career .239 batting average against left-handed pitching. Surprisingly, that is better than his mark against righties – .237. However, Grandal’s biggest asset is his power hitting bat. Of his 27 home runs last season, only four came off of left-handed pitching. Granted, he had considerably less at-bats, but that is because the Dodgers were platooning him like they would if they brought Wieters into the fold.
Wieters may suit better as a platoon player instead of an everyday starter at this stage of his career.
Los Angeles Angels
Down the traffic ingested freeways of Southern California lies another potential destination for Matt Wieters – the Angels. While Wilson Ramos may be the Halos number one target heading into 2017, Wieters may be the more realistic option.
The Angels have a considerable hole at the catching position. Even though Wieters didn’t put up significantly better numbers than either Jett Bandy or Carlos Perez, Wieters still would serve as a major addition. Wieters would produce better power numbers, hits for more average, and has better defensive statistics. Also, hitting around Mike Trout will undoubtedly boost his numbers, because if I was on the mound I would rather pitch to Matt Wieters than Mike Trout.
Matt Wieters may not be in Anaheim for long if he does indeed sign with the Angels, but could serve as a player on hold until a better talent emerges for the Angels. That’s not taking away from what he can contribute to the club though. Wieters would provide instant depth to the position, and add considerable defense to one of the best defensive clubs in the league.
Like previously stated, Wieters may not be a long-term investment but can be part of the movement to turn the Angels franchise around. With their record only getting worse and having literally no farm system, the Angels need to win now to ensure their future. If they don’t, well we may see Mike Trout take his talents elsewhere. However, with smart free agent signings and draft choices the Los Angeles Angels could be a formidable force in the near future.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves went from rebuild mode to full acceleration in a very short span. Starting with the acquistion of Matt Kemp on July 30th, the Braves have slowly been trying to piece otgether a winning formula. Actually, the Braves managed to go over .500 after acquiring Kemp. Nonetheless, with the signings of Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey, the trade receiving Jaime Garcia, and various other moves, the Braves look posed to win now. With upcoming stars in Dansby Swanson, Mallex Smith, and Ender Inciarte, the Braves may want to cash in now. Heading to a new ballpark in 2017, the Braves allure is at a peak.
A big hole that the Braves have yet to address is behind the plate. Sure, they likely will go after other free agent Wilson Ramos. However, Matt Wieters may not be a bad for the Braves to acquire. He is an immediate upgrade from Tyler Flowers and Anthony Recker, and helps a team with pretty bad fielding. Not only that, he fits the mold of the perfect blend of young and old talent. With no big catching talent seemingly available for trade, Matt Wieters may be the best option for the Braves.
Wieters would take on a leadership role in guiding this franchise. Him, Kemp, Colon and Dickey will all serve as the veteran faces of the club. Throw in the often underrated stud Freddie Freeman, a staff led by young ace Julio Teheran, and a future star in Dansby Swanson and the Braves look formidable once more. Wieters may not see his offensive numbers change in the way he would in other scenarios, but he would certainly help guide a new team to success.