Chicago White Sox catching options in 2016
Aug 12, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) looks to the dugout between plays against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
When the 2015 Major League Baseball season ends in about six weeks the Chicago White Sox season should be classified as a major disappointment. A team that was expected to contend for the American League Central has scuffled along to a 53-58 going into tonight’s contest against the Los Angeles Angels.
One of the main reasons why this team has failed to meet and exceed expectations is the play of the men behind the plate, the catchers. If you take a look at the teams that are competing for the playoffs, the majority of them have a catcher who is above average or better.
This is where the White Sox need to upgrade in the offseason as a catcher can do wonders for the team offensively and defensively.
So what can the White Sox do to improve this area? We’ll take a look at their current roster, the farm system as well as possible free agents or maybe even a trade to see who may be a fit.
Next: Options on the roster?
The Current 40 Man Roster
Tyler Flowers – I think we have all seen enough of him to know he will never turn out to be as good as the prospect we all thought he could be.
Geovany Soto – I wouldn’t mind seeing him return as a backup next year but as a pending free agent he may get a better deal elsewhere. I believe his best days are behind him but one would have to wonder what he could have been had he taken better care of himself.
Aug 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Geovany Soto (58) hits a solo home run during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Rob Brantly – Currently in the minor leagues with the Charlotte Knights. The White Sox claimed him off waivers this winter from the Miami Marlins who he played with for two season. He is hitting over .300 this year between Double-A and Triple-A. Could be a potential call up in September to see if he can apply whatever he is doing right in the minors and carry it over to the majors.
Adrian Nieto – Struggling with the Birmingham Barons in Double-A and while he spent a year on the big league club in 2014, he appears to be more of a depth guy than a potential backstop. If Nieto were to make the majors he’d be best suited as the backup unless he can make major strides in hitting.
Kevan Smith – Another catcher at Charlotte. He’s 27 years old and does not appear to be in the long term plans as the team would more than likely opt for youth or a seasoned MLB veteran. He could fill the role of a backup if the team opts to go that route but the likelihood of him making it as a starter appear to be slim.
In the Farm
Jhoandro Alfaro – According to MLB.com he is the 19th best prospect in the White Sox farm system. He is the only catcher who is currently ranked and is only 19 years old. He’s a switch hitter but has a strong arm which is something the White Sox currently lack. However he’s only hitting .136 in the minors so if he’s going to contribute it will not be for a few more years.
Next: Non-roster options
2016 Free Agents
There isn’t much out there in free agency next season. Most guys have been career backups, injury prone or their best days are behind them. There are two guys of interest though.
Matt Wieters – If the Orioles cannot re-sign him he’s is by far the best free agent catcher on the market. When healthy he is one of the best in the American League but the key word is when. While more of an offensive catcher he is by far an upgrade over what is currently on the team and he’s done quite well managing a bunch of no-name pitchers in Baltimore. The downside is that he’s looking to get paid and the question is whether the White Sox would be willing to pony up the dollars to bring him to town.
Aug 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) hits a one run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Avila – As a White Sox fan in Michigan I hear everyday about how much Avila stinks but the reality is that he’s only 28 and is capable of bouncing back. He’s battled injuries for the past few years but that should only make him cheaper. I’m not saying sign him to a long-term deal but giving him a three year deal around $16 million could be good enough to entice him.
The Trade Market
The White Sox could always look to make a trade in the offseason as well to bring in another catcher. However there is much uncertainty about who could be available in trades. One name that comes to mind is Derek Norris of the San Diego Padres.
He’s offensively better than what is already on the White Sox and while his defense is average the boost offensively he’d get by playing at U.S. Cellular could offset any defensive liabilities. Plus he’s only 26. Why would he available you ask? He’s just keeping the seat warm for Austin Hedges who is playing the role of backup this year before likely assuming control next year.
Aug 8, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) reacts to a called strike during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports