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The Angels have internally discussed pursuing free-agent catcher Matt Wieters, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Wieters, the top remaining available backstop, would provide an immediate upgrade for an Angels club that currently has Carlos Perez and Martin Maldonado slated to split time behind the plate. The Halos already made one move at catcher this winter, acquiring Maldonado in a trade that send Jett Bandy to the Brewers.
Wieters has drawn consistent interest from both the Braves and Nationals, with Washington appearing to be the early favorite as of last month. The former Oriole seems likely to command just a one- or two-year deal at this late juncture of the winter, with other top catchers Wilson Ramos (Rays) and Jason Castro (Twins) off the board.
Wieters, who turns 31 in May, hit .243/.302/.409 with 17 homers and 66 RBI in 124 games with the O’s last season, his eighth with the club. The 4-time All-Star is on the open market for the first time after returning to Baltimore last winter by accepting the club’s qualifying offer.