Photo courtesy: Keith Allison
Matt Wieters has been a mainstay for the Baltimore Orioles for the entirety of his career. However, the 30-year old catcher has been replaced in the Orioles’ lineup by Welington Castillo. Where might Wieters land before the 2017 season?
In 2016, Wieters had a slash line of .243/.302/.409, putting him 12-13% below the league average, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He also tossed out 35% of would-be stolen bases attempted against him, but for the fourth straight season, Wieters posted below-average pitch framing metrics.
Before reaching the Majors in 2009, Wieters was touted as one of the top prospects in the game, receiving a nickname from many scouts: “Joe Mauer with power”.
Despite not living up to the lofty expectations that were placed upon him, Wieters ended up being one of the most serviceable catchers in the MLB. He became a four-time All-Star and won two Gold Glove awards from 2011-2012. He was injured a majority of the 2014 and 2015 seasons, tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Since returning in 2015, Wieters has shown the durability that he once had previous to his injury.
Now, after the likes of Welington Castillo, Jason Castro and Wilson Ramos all signing elsewhere—and Brian McCann being traded to the Houston Astros—Wieters’ market has shrunk considerably. However, he still has a litany of teams that could be after his services.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Currently the Angels have two good defensive catchers in Martin Maldonado and Carlos Perez. While both catchers are solid defensively, they have failed to produce at the plate at the Major League level. They also traded catcher Jeff Bandy to the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason.
Although they do have an opening at the catcher position, adding Wieters could prove costly. The Angels have already added Cameron Maybin, Danny Espinosa, Jesse Chavez, Ben Revere and Maldonado during this offseason, accounting for a possible $25.65M in salary.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies currently have Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy in the fold at catcher. Wieters could take a one-year deal to cash in next season, especially with the hitter’s ballpark that is Coors Field.
Arizona Diamondbacks
According to Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen, Wieters could be a fit. “Matt’s a really good player and a good leader,” said Hazen when talking with the Arizona Republic. “We’ve kept up on everybody on the catching market.”
This moves makes sense if Arizona goes after a catcher with the potential to hit. Castillo was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks in December and they chose to go with the catcher with better defensive capabilities in Jeff Mathis. They also claimed Juan Graterol off of waivers.
Washington Nationals
Wieters could have some suitors in the Baltimore/Washington metro area, but not the Orioles. The Nationals have lost their starting catcher Wilson Ramos in free agency, which could allow them to sign Wieters. Washington currently has Derek Norris (acquired in a trade) along with Jose Lobaton. Norris isn’t being paid too much, so a Wieters signing could happen with Norris as the backup.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have Omar Narvaez as the only Major League option at catcher. Although Wieters would be a solid fit, the White Sox may be in rebuilding mode.
New York Mets
Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki are currently the two catchers for the Mets, but they reportedly are not interested in signing a catcher at this time.
Atlanta Braves
"Matt (Wieters) is a talented player. It would come down to price and years. We're happy with what we have now" – Braves' GM John Coppolella
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 23, 2016
This would be one of the more intriguing signings by the Braves, although they have already made some intriguing moves this offseason. The Braves have already signed veteran pitchers and fellow 40-somethings Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey. They have Tyler Flowers as a defensive option at catcher.
Wieters played college baseball at Georgia Tech and is from Goose Creek, SC, a suburb of Charleston. Another former Oriole, outfielder Nick Markakis, returned to his hometown club of the Braves. Markakis is a Georgia native and seeing as how Wieters is from nearby South Carolina, it could make a lot of sense for him to go to Atlanta.
Projected Team: Atlanta Braves