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MLB Free-Agency Preview: 2018-2019 Free Agent Catchers

By Marc Delucchi

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 10: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits ground ball to the catcher in the eleventh inning allowing Kyle Tucker #3 on a throwing error by Jonathan Lucroy #21 of the Oakland Athletics letting the winning run score at Minute Maid Park on July 10, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 10: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits ground ball to the catcher in the eleventh inning allowing Kyle Tucker #3 on a throwing error by Jonathan Lucroy #21 of the Oakland Athletics letting the winning run score at Minute Maid Park on July 10, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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MLB Free Agency
Matt Harvey was struggling in New York and was swapped for struggling catcher Devin Mesoraco. Both have rebounded since the trade and have good chances at major league contracts. /

#10 Devin Mesoraco

Devin Mesoraco burst onto the scene in 2014.  In only 352 plate appearances Mesoraco jacked 25 home runs and put up a 4.5 WAR (via FanGraphs). The Reds inked their budding star to a 4 year $28m contract. The deal almost immediately backfired.

In May of the next season, Mesoraco went on the DL for a left hip injury that eventually required surgery.  Early in 2016, Mesoraco tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder and lost another season. Then the injury bug struck again last year, when Mesoraco required surgery on his right hip.

He’s avoided the DL this season and since being swapped for Matt Harvey has brought his seasonal stats to respectable levels.  Still, his extensive injury history and well below-average framing numbers make it unlikely any contender will give him a chance at a starting spot.

However, on a small 1-year deal, a rebuilding team might hope to rekindle some old magic before moving him for prospects.  If not, he’ll land somewhere as an average backup.

MLB Free Agency
Brian McCann is in the midst of the worst season of his career. He will make for an intriguing bounce back candidate this winter. /

#9 Brian McCann

Brian McCann has been one of the most consistent players in the game since his first call-up in 2005.  It looks like age and injuries have finally caught up with him though. He will be 35 years old before pitchers and catchers report next season and a series of recent injuries have kept him on the sideline for most of the season.

It is worth noting that McCann has a vesting option for next season worth $15m.  While, McCann will not reach the requirements for the option to vest, technically the Astros could still accept the option.  That would be the surprise of the offseason though.

McCann has been steadily declining over the past few seasons even when he has been on the field.  This year his OPS is barely .600 and the Astros acquired Martin
Maldonado because they do not trust McCann for the stretch run.

Metrics still believe McCann is above average defensively (along with middle of the pack framing numbers) and his long pedigree may get someone to give him a chance to start. Still, the most likely outcome follows Mesoraco.  Start on a bad team hoping to turn some magic into prospects, or be a quality backup for a contender.

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