Tampa Bay Rays could finally have answer with Christian Vazquez

The Tampa Bay Rays long standing issues behind the plate could be solved at the trade deadline.

One of the odd tendencies with the Tampa Bay Rays involves their issues behind the plate. While they have typically had strong defensive catchers, they have generally received virtually nothing offensively. There have been a few sporadic moments where they caught lightning in a bottle, and the Wilson Ramos Era, but for the most part, the catcher spot in the lineup has not produced at the plate.

That has been the case again this year. The combination of Mike Zunino and Michael Perez have combined for a .160/.241/.340 batting line entering Saturday’s action, with three doubles and five homers. Although they have been solid defensively, the Rays need more.

At long last, a solution may be coming. According to reports, the Rays are interested in acquiring Christian Vazquez from the Red Sox. Boston, rather understandably, is looking for young pitchers in return.

The 2020 season has not exactly been kind to Vazquez with the bat, although his production at the plate is vastly superior to what the Rays have received. He has produced a .260/.294/.423 batting line in 109 plate appearances with five doubles and four homers on the year.

Vazquez also provides the Rays with what they want behind the plate. He has thrown out a league leading 40% of would-be base stealers while saving two runs defensively. Regarded as one of the game callers in baseball today, he would be a tremendous upgrade.

He would not just be a rental either. Vazquez is signed for $6.25 million next season, and has a $7 million team option for 2022. With Tampa Bay’s issues in finding offensive talent behind the plate, Vazquez would be the perfect solution for the next two seasons.

As is usually the case, the Tampa Bay Rays need help behind the plate. A trade with the Boston Red Sox for Christian Vazquez could be the answer.