![Austin Romine remains unsigned to this point. [Image Source: Flickr | Terri Needham]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/12/1/660x290/b_502x220x82/austin-romine-remains-unsigned-to-this-point-image-source-flickr-terri-needham_2363372.jpg "Austin Romine remains unsigned to this point. [Image Source: Flickr | Terri Needham]")
It's been a busy offseason for catchers in free agency. The big signing was Yasmani Grandal agreeing to a four year/$73 million deal to join the Chicago White Sox.
There have been a flurry of other signings as well. Those include Yan Gomes re-signing with the Washington Nationals (two years/$10 million), Tyler Flowers re-signing with the Atlanta Braves (one year/$4 million), Travis d’Arnaud signing with the Braves (two years/$16 million), Stephen Vogt signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks (one year/$3 million), and Dustin Garneau signing with the Houston Astros (one year/$650,000).
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t still catchers left on the free agent market that can make an impact in 2020. Here are five that could find themselves in a large role if they sign with the right team.
(List of free agent catchers were found on Spotrac. Other free agent catchers of note include Francisco Cervelli, Russell Martin, Martin Maldonado, and Jonathan Lucroy.)
Alex Avila
Look past the measly .207 batting average, and you’ll notice that 2019 wasn’t that bad an offensive season for Avila. Turning 33 on January 29, he walked 36 times in 201 plate appearances (giving him a .353 on-base percentage) and had 17 extra-base hits (nine homers and eight doubles) in 164 at-bats.
Now that the #Dbacks have announced the signing of veteran backup catcher Stephen Vogt to a one-year contract, classy Alex Avila would be natural choice to return to the #Tigers.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 27, 2019
Welington Castillo
While he was traded to the Rangers after the season ended, Texas declined Castillo’s option, making him a free agent. The 32-year-old had a subpar offensive season in 2019 (although he did hit 12 homers in 230 at-bats), but teams may look at his previous output, including 53 home runs from 2015-17.
Rangers have officially declined their options on C Welington Castillo, rhp Shawn Kelley and rhp Nate Jones. They also lost RHP Phillips Valdez on a waiver claim to the Mariners
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) November 1, 2019
Jason Castro
With Mitch Garver having an incredible season in 2019 at the plate, the Twins may find it unnecessary to bring back the 32-year-old Castro. He can still produce on offense (six of the last seven seasons he’s had double-digit homer totals including 13 in 2019), and he’s always been around league-average at throwing out base stealers.
Jason Castro appears to check off plenty of boxes for what the #Mets are looking for in a backup catcher. Oh and he went to the same school as Brodie Van Wagenen. #LGM #LFGM https://t.co/9mPJN2i9fY
— Rising Apple (@RisingAppleBlog) November 30, 2019
Robinson Chirinos
The 35-year-old Chirinos has been a threat in the batter’s box, connecting on 52 home runs over the last three seasons. While he’s not very adept at throwing out baserunners, he does grade out well at framing. It has previously been reported by the New York Post that the Mets have shown interest.
Garneau projects as the Astros’ backup behind a yet-to-be-acquired starting catcher. As free agents come off the board, a reunion with Robinson Chirinos might be their best option.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) November 26, 2019
Austin Romine
While he’s never been the primary catcher for the Yankees, someone could pay Romine to be one as the 31-year-old is coming off his best offensive season. Around league-average throwing out base stealers, he hit .281 with eight home runs and 12 doubles in 228 at-bats last season.
#Phillies showing interest in...
— Dan (@DanClarkSports) November 30, 2019
➡️ Dellin Betances
➡️ Austin Romine
➡️ Didi Gregorius
Joe Girardi wants some of his boys back!
