With A.J. Pierzynski reportedly signing with the Rangers, teams could start to explore the trade market when it comes to catchers. Or perhaps they’ve already dipped their toes.
According to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, the Red Sox have had some inquiries on Jarrod Saltalamacchia. General manager Ben Cherington obviously hasn’t seen any deals he’s liked, though, and the Sox could opt to enter spring training with three catchers in the mix.
Saltalamacchia is coming off a year in which he hit .222 with 25 home runs and 59 RBIs in 121 games. Salty actually jumped out to a hot start, even garnering some All-Star consideration, but he quickly tailed off. Salty hit .308 during a hot May, but he then batted .208, .182, .205 and .180 in June, July, August and September/October, respectively.
#redsox had some inquiries on saltalamacchia but it appears they may go to spring w/ 3 catchers (plus napoli, maybe)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 20, 2012
Saltalamacchia will have some company behind the dish this season, as Ryan Lavarnway figures to be a part of the Red Sox’ 2013 plans. The club also inked backup catcher David Ross to a two-year contract, and if the Mike Napoli deal becomes official, the Sox would have a fourth catching option — although Napoli would figure to garner most of his playing time at first base.
There’s been speculation throughout the offseason that the Red Sox could look to deal Saltalamacchia, who is slated to become a free agent after this season. For now, though, it appears the team is content with having a surplus of backstops.
