Injury Crisis at the Plate
The team faces an immediate setback as catcher Francisco Alvarez is set to miss 6-8 weeks following surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. With a potential return only at the end of April, Alvarez’s absence will span the opening month of the regular season. The loss of the starting catcher necessitates swift action to secure a reliable option behind the plate.
Roster Implications and Backup Options
The current roster includes only two catchers on the 40-man roster, with Alvarez and Luis Torrens holding those spots. Additional candidates from the non-roster invitee group, such as Jakson Reetz—whose limited experience in major league games stands out compared to his peers—offer some depth. Other internal options like Chris Williams and Hayden Senger present strong potential, though neither has previously appeared in the majors. The roster must now be re-evaluated to ensure adequate coverage and performance behind the plate during the prolonged period without Alvarez.
Exploring External Additions
The situation has sparked discussions about acquiring external help. The defensive abilities, particularly pitch framing, have emerged as a primary evaluation criterion. A veteran catcher known for excellent framing skills stands as one option. In recent performance metrics, this player ranked in the top 10 in pitch framing, outperforming Alvarez in this aspect despite serving as a backup in his previous role. Another option on the market is a former team member whose offensive production slightly exceeds that of the aforementioned veteran, though his pitch framing has not matched up favorably. These avenues highlight the team’s search for a reliable catcher capable of balancing defensive prowess with offensive contributions.
Potential Moves in the Waiver Market
With the start of the regular season approaching, the team is exploring all opportunities, including monitoring the waiver market for interim solutions. A previous waiver claim that brought in Luis Torrens suggests that similar opportunities may be utilized to address the immediate need behind the plate. The coming weeks will reveal whether internal options can rise to the challenge or if strategic moves in the waiver market will provide the necessary depth during this critical period.
