A New Chapter for Curt Casali: Atlanta Braves’ Bet on Veteran Catcher
The Atlanta Braves recently made a strategic move to bolster their catcher depth by signing veteran player Curt Casali to a minor league contract. Casali, a former member of the San Francisco Giants, brings a wealth of experience to his new team, marking his 11th stint with different baseball organizations over his 14-year professional career.
Casali’s Varied Career and Statistics
Throughout his Major League Baseball journey, Casali has showcased his skills with several teams, including the Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners. Despite not being a consistent starter, Casali has contributed significantly whenever called upon, maintaining a career batting average of .218 with a .682 OPS. Last season, he played 41 games for the Giants, recording a slash line of .194/.293/.250 in 125 plate appearances.
Casali’s playing time has been sporadic, with only two seasons where he participated in more than half of his team’s games, accumulating a maximum of 256 plate appearances in a single season. However, his value lies in his reliability as a backup catcher, a role he has fulfilled adeptly, especially given his age of 36.
Role in Atlanta Braves and Competition for Backup
With the departure of veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, the Braves sought a cost-effective alternative in Casali. While Casali may not possess the same offensive prowess as d’Arnaud, he offers a dependable option at a more budget-friendly price point. In the Braves’ lineup, Chadwick Tromp is expected to back up primary catcher Sean Murphy, with the promising prospect Drake Baldwin poised to make his MLB catching debut in the near future.
Casali’s signing introduces healthy competition for the backup catcher position, with Sandy Leon also vying for the role alongside Tromp. The decision on the final roster spot will likely hinge on defensive capabilities, particularly considering Casali’s age and the potential decline in his performance behind the plate.
Defensive Concerns and Spring Training Prospects
As Casali embarks on this new chapter with the Braves, questions loom over his defensive skills, which appeared to regress in the previous season. Statcast data indicated a dip in his blocking, framing, and caught-stealing metrics, all falling below average levels. While this decline could be attributed to age catching up with Casali, he has established himself as a proficient defensive catcher known for his rapport with pitchers.
The upcoming Spring Training presents a crucial opportunity for Casali to showcase his enduring defensive prowess and secure a part-time role as the team’s catcher. His experience and knowledge of the game could prove instrumental in guiding the Braves’ pitching staff, balancing any defensive shortcomings that may have emerged.
In signing Curt Casali, the Atlanta Braves have made a calculated move, placing their faith in a seasoned veteran to fortify their catching roster. As the season unfolds, Casali’s performance will not only determine his individual success but also influence the team’s overall defensive stability behind the plate.