Washington Nationals: Suitors for Derek Norris Trade
Just a few months ago, Derek Norris was dealt to the Washington Nationals from the San Diego Padres. Now, after the signing of Matt Wieters, Norris seems like the odd man out in D.C.
After losing Wilson Ramos to injury and then eventually the Tampa Bay Rays, the Washington Nationals needed a high impact catcher. Although Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino serve as valuable assets to the Nationals organization they aren’t suited to be every day starters. Although Norris struggled last season in San Diego with a .186 batting average, he has shown all-star potential – in fact being an all-star in 2014.
That season Norris slugged 10 home runs in route to batting .270, accounting for a 2.6 WAR on the season. Norris has thrown out 34.6% of stolen base attempts, and proves to be a valuable asset to any big league club. At only 28 years old, Norris has much room to build upon his current skill set and further advance his production at the big league level.
However, after the acquisition of Matt Wieters, Norris does not seem like a necessary asset for Washington. The Nationals do not need him to play back up, as they already have Severino and Lobaton to fill that role. Instead of holding on to Norris and hoping that he can be a good producer off the bench, it would be wise for the Nationals to deal him and get a player they potentially need.
With the catching position so thin throughout the league, Norris seems almost inevitable to be dealt. The Nationals dealt pitching prospect Pedro Avila to acquire Norris, and while he was not the most groundbreaking prospect they should look to get a return on their investment. A big league arm to help sum up the back-end of their rotation would be great, or maybe another prospect.
Regardless, the Nationals should avoid releasing Norris and attempt to get some sort of return on their investment.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Derek Norris thrived the most when he was part of a platoon in Oakland just 3 seasons ago. Now, after failing to find his footing as an everyday starter, Norris could benefit greatly from being a platoon partner. The Washington Nationals seem to have no desire to platoon Wieters and Norris, however one ball club and genius manager who may do so is the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers are all set at the starting catcher position, Yasmani Grandal is a slugger who led MLB catchers in home runs last season. Despite being a switch hitter, Yasmani has shown struggles from the right side of the plate. Against left-handed pitchers Yasmani may only have a minimally lower average, but lacks the power numbers that are his signature. Grandal only blasted four bombs out of the park against left-handed pitching last season compared to 23 against right-handers.
That is where Norris comes in, as he is a right-handed batter that hits left-handed pitching fairly well. In his career Norris bats a respectable .276 against left-handed pitching. Not only will this help Grandal focus on thriving from one side of the plate, it will give the Dodgers a much-needed boost against lefties. To get this deal done would be extremely easy for both parties as well. The Dodgers could give the Nationals a back up to Jayson Werth in Scott Van Slyke, who can also play first base. Or even better they could deal an arm such as Brandon McCarthy or Alex Wood to give the Nats even more depth in the rotation.
Los Angeles Angels
Down the congested Southern California freeways lies the Dodgers cross town rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Despite not even being in Los Angeles county, the Angels could be another LA team to land Norris’ services next season. Coming from the San Diego Padres, Wieters is already situated with the Southern California lifestyle, so a deal to either team would be logical. However, here in Anaheim, his role would be different.
Now Norris would go from platooning with the Dodgers to likely outright starting with the Angels. The Angels are pretty thin at the catcher position as Martin Maldonado and Carlos Perez both hold down the reigns. This current Norris would be that great of an upgrade from these guys, but anything better than last season would be. Even at his worst Norris provides that experience, and good arm behind the dish that the Angels currently lack.
The interesting dynamic in this deal would be what the Angels give up to acquire Norris. While it may be wise for them to twiddle their thumbs and potentially wait for his release, they could get a deal done. With no farm system in tact they will certainly need to trade a big league talent, maybe in the likes of Ricky Nolasco. Angel fans might cringe at the idea of trading away a pitcher in an already thin rotation, but Nolasco seems like the odd one out. The Angels rotation is full of young guys that have massive ceilings after they return from injury. The Angels would then be giving up a service they won’t need in a short amount of time for a considerable, veteran, presence behind the plate.
Colorado Rockies
Perhaps the place that Norris will thrive the most in is where the ball tend to play just a bit farther. Norris could undoubtedly maximize his power potential playing in Colorado, and would join a power-hungry team that is ready to win now.
With the pitching rotation being the sore point of the franchise, bringing in Norris to guide this arms would be extremely beneficial to the Rockies. Plus, with Tyler Wolters and Tom Murphy, Norris could split playing time and maximize his potential even further.
Another dynamic that Norris brings to the table is the ability to play first base. Norris has only played 21 games at first base in his career, but we have seen many catchers make the transition. Since the Rockies lack a true first baseman, Norris could be a safety option if Ian Desmond does not pan out. Plus, if anybody gets hurt and Desmond needs to move to the middle infield or outfield, this will give the Rockies a back up plan. Not only does it make sense behind the plate, but it makes sense for the entire dynamic of the team.
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A deal that the Nationals would easily accept would be one sending Gerardo Parra to the Nationals for Norris. The Nationals may need to include an arm in the deal as well, but a Parra swap for Norris would be great for Washington. Not saying the Rockies would pay this fee, although they do have David Dahl in the midst and Parra is blocking him from being an everyday starter. This would open up the path for Dahl, and would effectively give the Nationals a great return on the Norris trade.