3 catchers the Chicago White Sox can acquire in a trade
The Chicago White Sox are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. That much is for sure. However, that doesn't mean that they can't also acquire players that will help them in the future.
For example, if Jonathan India is a piece that comes back to the White Sox in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, it should be a welcomed addition.
The White Sox are not particularly set at the position of catcher in the future. Yasmani Grandal is likely going to be gone after 2023 is over and Seby Zavala is not the answer.
Even if getting one to help them finish out this year or next year on a good note is an option, they should consider it.
A bad catcher could even be a throw-in option for a trade that the White Sox take him back to get a better return.
One of these catchers makes sense for the White Sox as they look to brighten their future:
1. Austin Barnes
Austin Barnes could help the White Sox land a better trade return.
Getting through the 2023 season is something that the White Sox need to do in order to start building this thing back up. Making seller-type trades is a way to do that.
Austin Barnes is having a bad year with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They probably do want to move him because he makes thier team worse.
The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers also make tons of sense for a trade. They could use a shortstop like Tim Anderson or a starting pitcher like Lucas Giolito.
If a trade like that is made, the Dodgers may consider throwing Barnes in a trade just to get rid of him which could land the White Sox better prospects. With a catcher like Will Smith at the MLB level, they won't miss him. Also, two of their three top prospects are catchers right now.
When you are a bad team this late in the season, it doesn't really matter if you get much worse. Adding Barnes for the rest of the year is something to consider for them to get a better deal done.
2. Victor Caratini
The Chicago White Sox would do well landing Victor Caratini right now.
The Chicago White Sox could make a deal for Victor Caratini of the Milwaukee Brewers. He has actually had a good year with them as one of their catchers.
William Contreras is their starting catcher but Caratini has done a great job as their backup. He is even the personal catcher of Corbin Burnes which means that elite pitchers like throwing to him. We've seen the White Sox have success with guys like that before.
Caratini has some experience in Chicago as well. He was the catcher for the Chicago Cubs from 2017-2020. He was with the San Diego Padres in 2021 and joined the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the 2022 season. Now, we'll see if he gets moved before the deadline.
What would it take for the White Sox to get someone like Caratini? Well, the White Sox are sellers so anything is possible. Caratini plus some prospects for a starting pitcher or hitter makes a ton of sense. We'll see if he ends up getting moved.
3. Willson Contreras
Seeing the White Sox trade for Willson Contreras would be hilarious.
We just talked about Victor Caratini backing up William Contreras in Milwaukee. Well, William’s brother Willson Contreras (who Caratini has also backed up in his career) is the catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He is not having a good year with his new team. His bat is about how it always is but he has struggled behind the plate. That means that he is perfect for the Chicago White Sox right now.
The White Sox could use him to get a good return in a trade. If the Cardinals gave up some prospects, they could get rid of Contreras and a couple of good White Sox players.
They probably believe they will be better again next year which is something the White Sox can’t confidently say. It may be worth it for them to make a trade like this and try.
Of course, Willson Contreras has plenty of experience with Chicago as he won a World Series and was a great player with the Chicago Cubs. Now, seeing him come to the White Sox would be awesome.
None of these catchers are the long-term answer but acquiring each of them makes sense for the White Sox in slightly different ways. At the end of the day, this team needs to try and make the future bright again.
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