FanPost

Predicting Where The Class of 2015 Free Agents Will Go Part 1: Catchers

Over the next 2-3 weeks leading up to the offseason, I will be constructing a multitude of fanposts regarding predictions as to where the Class of 2015 Free Agents will go by position. Included will be the signings, the corresponding moves and even some trades.

My first prediction involves the retirement of Red Sox back up catcher David Ross. He is entering into his age 38 season and has hit just .198 in his injury plagued time in Boston. As a side-note, I also anticipate Dan Butler being released as well. This leaves Boston with just Christian Vazquez at the catchers position. I believe Ben Cherington will bring in John Buck on a minor league contract with an invite to spring training and an annual value of $750,000 plus incentives and in addition Chris Giminez who appears likely to be cut loose by Cleveland at season's end. Both are veterans who are positive defensively and bring experience to the plate which could rub off on the rookie Vazquez.

Wil Nieves, who has enjoyed a spectacular season in Philadelphia, is almost guaranteed a major league contract. Texas appears to be a great fit. With just Robinson Chirinos, they could use a back-up who is above average defensively AND offensively. My bet is a 1 year deal worth $1,500,000. In Philly, I believe the Phillies will bring in A.J. Pierzynski to back-up Choocher on a 1-year deal worth $3,500,000. He is still a decent hitter, and he could do a fine job filling in for Ruiz.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a tough spot this season at Catcher and I believe that they will sign Geovany Soto to a 1-year deal worth $3,000,000. In response, A.J. Ellis will be non-tendered, Drew Butera will be released and Tim Federowicz will be designated for assignment. To back-up Soto, the Dods will take a flyer on Carlos Corporan who I predict will be non-tendered by Houston to clear a definite space for Max Stassi. Tim Federowicz will be sent outright to AAA and be utilized as the emergency catcher and A.J. Ellis will be signed by St. Louis on a 1 year contract worth $3,000,000. He fits perfectly as the back-up based on high OBP and decent defense. He also can give Yadi enough time off. Tony Cruz will head to AAA as the emergency catcher and Audry Perez, an impending minor league free agent, will sign with Colorado and earn himself the starting job by July; after a Wilin Rosario trade at the deadline. In Drew Butera's situation, he will likely sign a non-roster contract with the Mets and act as a koyie hill of sorts for next season.

Speaking of the Mets, I have a sneaking suspicion that Ryan Doumit will find himself in Queens replacing the traded Anthony Recker, who is now in Kansas City which will result in Erik Kratz being DFA'd and claimed back by Toronto who would stock him in AAA as the emergency catcher behind Dioner Navarro. A man who will receive a similar contract to he is Nick Hundley. I'm feeling a 2-year deal worth $10,000,000 from Pittsburgh for Nick, who had an impressive season filling in for Weiters. Baltimore will likely be cutting ties with Steve Clevenger based on Caleb Joseph's impressive performance this season. I can see Clevenger signing on in Oakland along with John Baker, formerly of the Cubs. Now for the big finish. The top catcher on the market this season, Russell Martin will sign on with the Chicago Cubs. He will receive a 4 year contract worth $60,000,000. This signing will result in Wellington Castillo being traded to the Yankees. The trade will move Brain McCann from the Catching role to the DH, Martin Prado from Left to third to replace Headley and Beltran from DH to left. In return, the Cubs would receive Manny Banuelos and Austin Romine would be designated for assignment and claimed by San Diego.

My next post will regard First base

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of MLBDD's writers or editors.

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