The Rangers have a deal in the works that would bring in a “backup type catcher,” according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan (Twitter links). If Texas pulls off the deal, says Sullivan, there could be an impact on its non-tender decisions this evening.
There are two backstops on the Rangers’ rolls of arbitration-eligible players: Chris Gimenez ($1MM projection) and Robinson Chirinos ($1.4MM). It seems unlikely that the latter would be displaced from the roster after averaging a league-average batting line and just over 300 plate appearances in each of the last two years. He can be controlled for two more seasons after this one.
Gimenez, though, could be at risk. Soon to be 33, he slashed an excellent .255/.330/.490 in just over one hundred plate appearances last year, but that doesn’t line up with his more modest career numbers. It’s certainly possible to imagine that Texas wouldn’t want to commit to giving him a roster spot if another option is added.
tim815
Just missed by a couple hours on the Cardinals back-up.
bighiggy
I think cruz can be useful if he gets at bats. He does well when he plays more than once a month. But looks like he will be the same player in kc.
tim815
He did do better than I expected when Yadi was injured. Maybe you’re right.
g55s
Hector Sanchez from the Giants is a non tender candidate.
batman
Chris Stewart? Allows for the Pirates to get Diaz some meaningful reps before taking over for Cervelli next year
bravesred 2
They’re better off keeping their current backups
Buddy “Bud” Hull
Kivlehan for Clavenger. (kidding)
tim815
Yeah. Talk to DiPoto. He’s prone to anything this off-season.
AidanVega123
Drew Butera possibly? Royals just got Cruz from the Cardinals so Butera seems to be the odd man out.
Matt Galvin
Francisco Pena was DFA.
wants to be a GM
Hmm…Not saying it’s likely at all, but Roberto Perez?
charles stevens
Lucroy is going to be the best back up in the bigs next year. I kid I kid. I was hoping for him this offseason.
wants to be a GM
The Indians are interested in Will Venable? Wow, they’re really trying to build the dream team with this extra money: shown interest in Uribe, Morneau, Victorino (that sounds like a bunch of great adds about 10 yrs ago), signed Joba, and now interested in Venable. NEED power hitters and have the money to do it. Very frustrating
Francys01
I would said Drew Butera or Josh Thole
vamosbravos
Why would the Rangers want yet another backup catcher, when they already have Chirinos & Gimenez? If I had any say, i’m on the phone to D. Navarro’s agent yesterday, trying to bring him to Texas as there starting catcher.
No Soup For Yu!
In 78 games last year, Chirinos slashed .232/.325/.438 with 10 HR and 34 RBI, good for a 106 OPS+ and a 104 wRC+. He also offers above average defense behind the plate.
In 54 games last year, Navarro slashed .246/.307/.374 with 5 HR and 20 RBI, good for a 88 OPS+ and a 84 wRC+. He’s also generally regarded as a poor defensive catcher.
So tell me, in what world is Navarro not only an upgrade over Chirinos, but a starting caliber backstop on a club that plans to contend next year?
charles stevens
My guess is Max Stassi because he’s young and still has options I believe.
charles stevens
Another thing to consider is after Hamels got here Gimenez became his personal catcher so I would think it would have to be a pretty decent upgrade for them to replace him.
dashatt
By how well they are doing at robbing the Mariners it will probably be Zunino+ for peanuts and bounce back project from DiPoto’s choice of “his guys” type players. Cant call it win now when you picking up other teams left overs while giving up the little bit of useful players that you got to work with just to fuel your ego.
rangerfan23
Rangers may get Tyler flowers from the white soxs
1738hotlinebling
I think Derek Norris would be a great addition to the Rangers, possibly split time with Chirinos behind the plate.
Lance
round up the usual suspects.
TJ 4
What’s better, two catchers (chinos and gimenez) who are good defensively, great behind the dish and know the pitchers or a new catcher with marginal additional offense who would need to learn the pitching staff including darvish when he returns? I don’t get it.