Tag

Catcher

All articles tagged with #catcher

Braves lose Baldwin to Grade 1 oblique strain as backups step in
baseball6 days ago

Braves lose Baldwin to Grade 1 oblique strain as backups step in

Braves catcher Drake Baldwin was diagnosed with a mild Grade 1 oblique strain and placed on the 10-day IL after a win against the Marlins. With Sean Murphy sidelined by a fractured finger, veteran catchers Sandy León and Chadwick Tromp will handle behind the plate for at least the next 10–14 days, while Baldwin’s exact IL duration remains unknown. Baldwin had been a standout contributor (2.2 fWAR, 13 HR, 160 wRC+) and was in contention for an All-Star berth before the injury.

Mets lock in Torrens with two-year, $11.5M extension through 2028
sports24 days ago

Mets lock in Torrens with two-year, $11.5M extension through 2028

The Mets signed catcher Luis Torrens to a two-year, $11.5 million extension through 2028 ($5.75M per year) with up to $2M in bonuses, keeping him in Queens after he filled in for the injured Francisco Álvarez in 2025. Torrens batted .225/.281/.347 in 444 plate appearances for the Mets and appeared in 92 games in 2025, his second-most. He’s valued for defense (Gold Glove finalist in 2025; +11 Catching Runs; 37 of 84 baserunners thrown out since 2024). The deal adds to the Mets’ payroll under a 110% luxury-tax levy, with an estimated $12.65M tax bill, as the club contemplates its 2026 performance and potential deadline moves.

Orioles DFA Huff to make room for Rutschman’s return
sports1 month ago

Orioles DFA Huff to make room for Rutschman’s return

Baltimore designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment to clear a roster spot for Adley Rutschman, who’s back from a brief IL stint. Huff appeared in three games, going 2-for-9 with a double and an RBI. With Rutschman (and prospect Samuel Basallo) handling catching duties, the Orioles have five days to trade Huff or place him on outright waivers; if he clears, he could be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, though he’d have the right to reject a minor-league assignment for free agency. Huff, 28, signed a January minor-league deal and has a career .246/.299/.427 line with 12 homers in 281 MLB plate appearances, but a 36.3% strikeout rate and defensive limitations.

Sox Add McGuire to Catching Depth on 1-Year Deal
sports2 months ago

Sox Add McGuire to Catching Depth on 1-Year Deal

The Chicago White Sox signed catcher Reese McGuire to a one-year, $1.2 million contract to bolster catching depth as Kyle Teel recovers from a Grade 2 hamstring injury (roughly 4–6 weeks). McGuire reunites with the Sox after a previous stint in 2022, joining peers Edgar Quero and Korey Lee on the depth chart. The move provides a veteran, glove-first option behind the plate while the team navigates the injury and potential roster juggling.

Mets Bolster Catcher Depth by Claiming Ben Rortvedt
sports3 months ago

Mets Bolster Catcher Depth by Claiming Ben Rortvedt

The Mets claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers to add depth behind Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, moving Dedniel Nunez to the 60-day IL to clear 40-man space. Rortvedt, a defensively solid catcher with major-league experience, could push Hayden Senger for a depth role, and his lack of remaining options means the Mets will need to manage the 40-man roster as spring training approaches.

Rays Explored Realmuto as Catcher Upgrade Before Phillies Deal
sports4 months ago

Rays Explored Realmuto as Catcher Upgrade Before Phillies Deal

The Rays weighed a big catcher upgrade this winter and were linked to J.T. Realmuto before he re-signed with the Phillies for three years and $45 million. With Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia atop Tampa Bay’s catching depth and a payroll around $80 million, Tampa Bay could have faced salary constraints that might have required moving a major piece (potentially Yandy Díaz) to fit Realmuto. Realmuto’s market moved quickly, and the Rays—who rarely pursue free agents—were seen favoring trades over big-ticket signings, with potential fit partners including Royals, Cardinals, or Pirates.

Giants Contemplate Patrick Bailey Trade at Deadline
sports6 months ago

Giants Contemplate Patrick Bailey Trade at Deadline

The San Francisco Giants considered trading catcher Patrick Bailey at the deadline due to their poor recent performance, but ultimately decided against it given his defensive excellence, long-term team control, and the potential impact of new umpire challenge systems on his framing skills. Bailey, a highly regarded defensive catcher and future team asset, remains with the Giants as they focus on other offseason priorities.

Cleveland Guardians Re-Sign Veteran Catcher Austin Hedges
sports7 months ago

Cleveland Guardians Re-Sign Veteran Catcher Austin Hedges

The Cleveland Guardians are re-signing catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, emphasizing his defensive skills and game-calling abilities despite limited offensive production. Hedges, in his third straight year with the team, remains a key defensive asset, especially with the upcoming challenge system in MLB. The Guardians are focusing on maintaining their core players and are unlikely to make major free-agent moves this offseason.

Will Smith Sidelined by Hand Injury, Season Uncertain
sports8 months ago

Will Smith Sidelined by Hand Injury, Season Uncertain

Dodgers catcher Will Smith has a hairline fracture in his hand, casting doubt on his availability for the postseason. Smith, a key offensive and defensive player, may miss the playoffs, leading the Dodgers to rely on backup Ben Rortvedt, who is known for his defense but lacks offensive production. The team faces challenges in maintaining their performance without Smith, especially with a shaky bullpen and the need for offensive support.

Cal Raleigh Sets New MLB Home Run Record for Catchers
sports9 months ago

Cal Raleigh Sets New MLB Home Run Record for Catchers

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners set a new single-season home run record for catchers with 49 homers, achieving the feat with two powerful shots against the Athletics, and is now close to challenging the MLB switch-hitter record and the American League home run record, while also surpassing previous catcher benchmarks and establishing himself as a top hitter in the league.