Tampa Bay Rays need to bring back Travis d’Arnaud
By David Hill
The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to improve their lineup, but have the usual payroll constraints. Bringing back one of their own free agents could be the answer.
Over the years, the catcher position has been a black hole on offense for the Tampa Bay Rays. With the likes of Jose Molina, John Flaherty, and Kelly Shoppach receiving considerable playing time behind the plate, defense was the primary prerequisite for the position. Any offense was a bonus.
That stance has changed recently. While Wilson Ramos was a solid defensive catcher, he provided the Rays with something they rarely had at catcher throughout franchise history – an actual threat in the lineup. When Travis d’Arnaud was purchased from the Dodgers, the Rays once again found themselves with a viable hitter at the catcher spot.
The long time Mets prospect finally delivered on his potential in Tampa Bay. Over his 365 plate appearances for the Rays, he produced a solid .263/.323/.459 batting line, hitting 16 homers and 16 doubles. He proved to be a solid middle of the order hitter, one the Rays could use going forward.
Therein lies the problem. d’Arnaud is a free agent, leaving the Rays with the likes of Mike Zunino and Michael Perez behind the plate. Zunino was yet another attempt by the Rays to solidify the catcher position, but struggled to the point where d’Arnaud was brought in. Indeed, his .165/.232/.312 batting line in 289 plate appearances, while reminiscent of past production for the Rays at the position, is not even close to adequate.
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Given his production, d’Arnaud may actually be a relatively hot commodity this offseason. While Yasmani Grandal is easily the class of the position in free agency, d’Arnaud may be the second most attractive option. As such, he is predicted to command a two year deal worth up to $14 million.
While that is a lot of money for a player who really has a combined year and a half of adequate major league production, the Rays may not have a choice. Zunino is eligible for arbitration, and is projected to earn $4.9 million himself. An extra $2 million or so for d’Arnaud would be worthwhile, especially if his breakout for the Rays is sustainable.
And it may well be. d’Arnaud had a career best .295 batting average on balls in play with the Rays, a number that is still a shade below league average. That mark was buoyed by a 27% line drive rate, also a career best. On a short term deal, he would be worth the gamble.
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It is a gamble that the Tampa Bay Rays need to take. As they are looking to upgrade their lineup, despite their usual financial constraints, bringing back Travis d’Arnaud makes perfect sense.