Matt Wieters
Matt Wieters is another solid catching option if the Tampa Bay Rays are truly looking to upgrade its offensive production at the position. Wieters has spent the last two seasons playing backup to Yadier Molina with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Unfortunately for Wieters, his offensive numbers are trending in the wrong direction. Nonetheless, the 34-year-old is still a career .249/.313/.409 hitter.
Despite recording zero home runs in 19 games last season, he’s been considered a successful power hitter throughout his career. In 12 years, Wieters has hit 146 home runs and 550 RBIs.
If the Tampa Bay Rays look to bring on Weiters, it would of course be in a timeshare role. Wieters is no longer the four-time All-Star caliber player, however offers a home run threat at the plate.
After spending eight years with the Baltimore Orioles, Wieters is also no stranger to playing at AL East ballparks, especially Tropicana Field. He’s seen 2,323 at-bats at AL East ballparks, with 191 coming at ‘The Trop’. In these 191 at-bats in Tampa Bay, Wieters has hit .319 with five home runs, 17 RBIs, and 13 walks.
The 34-year-old is comfortable playing in the AL East and definitely adds some potential pop to the Rays’ lineup. Tampa Bay could surely sign the veteran to a contract less than $1 million.