Red Sox Catcher Outlook: Boston Prepared To Explore Market For Backup

Christian Vazquez The Boston Red Sox made an important discovery in 2014.

The Red Sox cut ties with veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski in July, clearing a path for 24-year-old backstop Christian Vazquez. Vazquez took the ball and ran with it, flashing elite defensive skills that made him one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects entering 2014.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington acknowledged after the season he intends to add a catcher this winter. David Ross said he’d like to play at least one more year, but the 37-year-old is a free agent.

2014 at a glance
The Red Sox let Jarrod Saltalamacchia walk in free agency last offseason. It was a polarizing decision given Salty’s 2013 success, but Boston didn’t want to offer more than two years knowing Vazquez and fellow prospect Blake Swihart were waiting in the wings. Thus, the club signed Pierzynski to a one-year contract.

The Pierzynski era wasn’t good. He was an imperfect fit — on and off the field — and keeping him around no longer made sense as the Red Sox limped toward the All-Star break. Pierzynski was designated for assignment after 72 games with Boston in which he hit .254 with four homers, 31 RBIs and a .286 on-base percentage.

Vazquez hit the ground running upon earning his first major league call-up. He earned the trust of his coaches and the Red Sox’s pitching staff while approaching the game with a high level of passion. There were some offensive adjustments that needed to be made, but Vazquez held his own at the plate while also throwing out 15 of 29 would-be base stealers.

Ross’ leadership remained important, especially with Vazquez and Dan Butler making their way to Boston. But the 13-year veteran struggled offensively, hitting .184 with a .260 on-base percentage and 58 strikeouts in 50 games.

Whose job to lose?
Vazquez.

Red Sox manager John Farrell recently stopped short of naming Vazquez his Opening Day catcher but said he’d be “very comfortable” with a 2015 catching tandem led by the former ninth-round pick.

The Red Sox need to find a backup catcher. Cherington didn’t rule out Ross returning, but it sounds like the team is willing to move on in favor of an offensive upgrade. The Red Sox’s preference is to land a left-handed-hitting catcher, as it would help fill two holes in the right-handed-heavy squad.

Notable prospects
Blake Swihart, 22
The Swihart hype train is motoring right now.

Swihart is coming off a very productive season split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. He showed promising offensive ability — highlighted by a slight uptick in power — and drew rave reviews as a defender. Swihart threw out 28 of 59 (47 percent) would-be base stealers in 81 games behind the dish with Portland.

Swihart currently is ranked the organization’s No. 1 prospect, according to SoxProspects.com. The former first-round pick could arrive in Boston late in 2015 or early in 2016, though other major league teams undoubtedly will inquire about his availability in the meantime.

Dan Butler, 27
Butler, who turns 28 later this month, made his major league debut in 2014. He’s not an exciting prospect given his age and skill set, but he’ll provide organizational depth.

Jon Denney, 20
Denney, a third-round pick in 2013, was arrested in March and charged with driving with a suspended license. The police report detailed some strange behavior by Denney, and Cherington later said the prospect would be placed into a program by the organization. His status is unclear.

Top three free agents
Russell Martin
Martin is coming off two very productive seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 31-year-old emerged as a leader and will be rewarded quite nicely in free agency.

Ryan Doumit
Doumit had a down year with the Atlanta Braves, hitting .197 with a .553 OPS in 100 games. But the 33-year-old is a switch-hitter who also can play first base and left field. The Red Sox should make a phone call.

A.J. Pierzynski
See above.

The Red Sox have been there and done that. He’ll turn 38 in December and his best days are behind him, especially now that his power has diminished. Someone inevitably will take the plunge if he plays another season.

2015 prediction
Vazquez will be the Red Sox’s starter, building on what he established in 2014. His improved offensive approach down the stretch suggests better offensive production is in the cards, though his .240 average and .308 on-base percentage weren’t too detrimental given the positive impact he makes in other areas.

The Red Sox should strongly consider re-signing Ross as their backup, if only for his leadership at an important point in the development of Vazquez and Swihart. Doumit is a good external option because of his versatility and ability to hit left-handed.