All articles tagged with #catcher
Adley Rutschman debuted for the Red Sox in Toronto, going 1-for-3 with two walks after missing about three weeks with left wrist inflammation and arriving eight days after a blockbuster trade with the Orioles; his presence behind the plate is expected to lift the lineup as Boston tries to snap its three-game skid, while Jake Rogers was designated for assignment.
The New York Yankees signed catcher Mitch Garver to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with an opt-out later this month. Garver, 35, began the year with Seattle before being released, posting a .175/.302/.294 line in 149 plate appearances; his 2019–2023 production was strong (.250/.346/.508, 131 wRC+ with 75 HR in 1,242 PAs). In 2024–2026 he’s battled through a .185/.292/.333 line in 869 PAs. The move provides catching depth behind Austin Wells and Ali Sánchez, and Garver could be called up if Wells’ struggles persist.
The Boston Red Sox acquired Adley Rutschman (and Jake Rogers) from the Orioles in exchange for Carlos Narváez, Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon, Enddy Azocar and a potential PTBNL or cash, upgrading Boston’s catching as Rutschman returns from a wrist injury, while Baltimore replenishes its system and shifts Samuel Basallo to everyday catcher.
Boston acquired catcher Adley Rutschman from Baltimore ahead of the MLB trade deadline. A three-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick, Rutschman is under team control through 2027 and has posted a .764 OPS this season despite a wrist injury; he carries a $7.25 million salary for 2026 with arbitration eligible for 2027. The deal strengthens Boston’s catching and the team’s playoff push, while Baltimore added Basallo as a potential future option and moved other pieces like Dean Kremer and Taylor Ward.
The Miami Marlins traded catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-player package that also sends Brayden Taylor to Miami, with Adrian Santana and Jacob Kisting rounding out the return. Hicks, 27, has posted a .282/.363/.432 line with 14 homers in 409 plate appearances and is viewed as a potential long-term catching solution for Tampa Bay, a team that has shuffled at the position. The Rays’ catching duties have been filled by Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia, with Fortes producing solid numbers and Feduccia offering less offense. The move gives Tampa a potential offensive upgrade behind the plate while Miami retools its depth.
The Red Sox and Orioles are reportedly nearing a deal for Adley Rutschman, with Boston pushing for a catcher upgrade and Baltimore weighing a short-term package as it stays competitive. The move hinges on a medical review because Rutschman has a left-wrist issue, and would clear the path for Samuel Basallo to become Baltimore’s everyday catcher. Rutschman is on a $7.25M salary and could earn around $10M next year in arbitration.
Baltimore acquired catcher Jake Rogers from Detroit in exchange for minor league right-hander Zane Barnhart after Rogers was designated for assignment. The veteran backstop provides defensive upside and added depth behind Adley Rutschman or Eduardo Basallo, addressing a catching situation hampered by injuries to the Orioles’ top two catchers. Rogers is on a $3.05 million contract with about $1 million remaining this season; he hit .161 in 36 games this year and posted mixed defensive numbers, but could serve as a solid backup option if one of Baltimore’s catchers is sidelined.
Chicago placed catcher Kyle Teel on the 10‑day IL with a left high-ankle sprain, forecasting a 6–12 week absence and promoting Edgar Quero from the minors. Teel has endured multiple injuries this season and is hitting .190 with two homers in 70 plate appearances since being reinstated on June 22. With Teel out, Chicago may seek catching help or rely on Quero/Romo while prioritizing pitching upgrades as it contends in the AL Central.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Aaron Judge will undergo rib imaging during the All-Star Break with a return still possible this season, while the club pivots toward catcher upgrades and late bullpen help at the trade deadline; top prospect George Lombard Jr. is nearing a Triple-A return and could make his MLB debut later this season, providing an internal option if Judge’s recovery drags.
With a commanding lead in the AL and what’s described as the best roster, the Yankees enter the trade deadline as obvious buyers, aiming to shore up catcher, high-leverage relief, and utility infield spots to maximize postseason chances.
Kyle Teel has been activated from the White Sox’ 60-day injured list after hamstring and knee rehab and will rejoin the roster, with Edgar Quero optioned to Triple-A Charlotte to clear a spot; Teel, a former top prospect and centerpiece of the Garrett Crochet trade, is set to make his season debut as Chicago bets on improved catching and a playoff push ahead of a series with the division-leading Guardians.
The Pirates sent catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves for right-hander Hunter Stratton, adding a controllable bullpen arm and easing a catcher logjam as Bart rehabs from a left-foot infection and is out of minor-league options; Stratton will report to Indianapolis and provides depth with a 3.75 career ERA in MLB and solid Triple-A numbers this year.
The Braves traded reliever Hunter Stratton to the Pirates for catcher Joey Bart, designating Sandy León for assignment; Bart is on the injured list but expected to be activated soon and bolster Atlanta’s catching depth, while Stratton heads back to Pittsburgh after a brief Braves stint.
With the White Sox game washed out, the Braves can review MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft, which has Atlanta taking a catcher and then a pitcher, sparking discussion on its plausibility.
The Yankees selected catcher Ali Sánchez to the MLB roster as the backup to Austin Wells, with J.C. Escarra optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Sánchez, a 29-year-old right-handed hitter on a minor-league deal, brings strong defensive tools but limited offense (career .183 in 50 MLB games; Triple-A this year .227/.327/.375) and is not expected to provide a major offensive boost. The move uses existing 40-man space after earlier DFAs and buys time while the team pursues a clearer upgrade before the trade deadline.