Matt Wieters Sweepstakes: Will There Be a Seat Left for Him?
This morning, the Atlanta Braves announced that they had signed free agent catcher, Kurt Suzuki to a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal which includes the potential for Suzuki to earn $2.5 million in incentives throughout the coming season.
While the Suzuki contract might not be headline news, it does relate to Matt Wieters as the Atlanta Braves were one of the few remaining teams that could have used his services. Beyond the Braves, it was speculated that the Arizona Diamondbacks also expressed interest prior to signing, Chris Iannetta, to a contract worth the same amount as Suzukis, $1.5 million dollars.
In addition, the Texas Rangers could have been a fit this offseason if they hadn't acquired former Brewers catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, last year at the trade deadline and the Houston Astros could have been a potential fit, but acquired, Brian McCann, earlier this offseason which takes them out of the sweepstakes.
Therefore, are there any teams out there still who could afford Wieters and use his services? The answer to that question is a bit complicated, but one team is likely going to step up and sign him even if it for one or two years. Let's take a look at two possible teams.
One potential landing spot still lies with the Angels. The Angels acquired, Martin Maldonado, earlier this winter from the Brewers and claimed, Juan Graterol, off of waivers from the Diamondbacks on Thursday. As it stands right now, Maldonado would be their primary catcher with Carlos Perez serving as the backup, which isn't an ideal situation for a team that struggles with having an effective pitching staff and a team that is trying to contend as much as possible. While Maldonado is a nice offensive upgrade over, Jett Bandy who was shipped to Milwaukee in the trade, he still has only been a part-time catcher during his entire career with the Brewers.
Another potential landing spot is with the Colorado Rockies. Colorado let, Nick Hundley, walk after last season and could still reunite with him, although they might shy away given Hundley's injury history. Therefore, they are another team that could benefit from Wieters and Wieters would be a nice addition to their lineup. Last season, Colorado ranked 10th in the league at the catcher position for runs scored with 68, of which Hundley put up 30. Subtracting that amount and relying on the three catchers currently slated to compete for the starter role on the Rockies depth chart, Tony Wolters, Tom Murphy, and Dustin Garneau, would be a downgrade. By signing Wieters even on a one or two year deal, it would allow Colorado to continue to groom all three until they are ready to be everyday MLB catchers.
While the Rockies and Angels look like good landing spots for Wieters, there is always the possibility that a mystery team comes out of the woodwork and ends up landing him. In fact, someone out of the 30 teams in the league will sign him before Spring Training, but one thing is for certain: Wieter's former team, the Orioles, are likely out of the running after signing Welington Castillo and due to their payroll limitations heading into the coming season.
For now, Wieters continues to be the best catcher left on the open market and will hopefully find a home very soon.
