Atlanta Braves Position Profile: Catcher

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Sep 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman

Edwin Encarnacion

(10) collides with Atlanta Braves catcher

Christian Bethancourt

(27) as he scores in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. The Blue Jays won 9-1. Betancourt was unable to hold on to the ball. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Current Roster

AJ Pierzynski is the current starting catcher on the roster, however his contract runs out at the end of the 2015 season leaving what appears as a gaping void that will be more than likely difficult to fill. The obvious in-house replacement is Christian Bethancourt. Christian has struggled mightily at the dish, but fortunately his slick glove work should keep him in the running is what I would say if Bethancourt had demonstrated any defense prowess. Instead, he has been somewhat of a liability behind the dish and has failed to impress management. It is clear that there is little faith in Bethancourt to hold down the job.

More from Atlanta Braves

Ryan Lavarnway is 28 and not arbitration eligible until 2017. He has actually filled in nicely for the Braves this year, but there is little hope that he is a long-term solution as he has been a third string catcher at every stop in his short, yet well-traveled career.

It would be a very Braves-like thing to do to stick with the in-house options. Just as recently as 2013 the Braves believed themselves to have plenty of catching talent. They were able to let Brian McCann walk because they had Evan Gattis. Then they were able to deal away Gattis because the had Christian Bethancourt. Now here we are two years later wondering where all that glorious depth has gone. If the Braves were looking to upgrade at the position, the answer is not currently on the 40-man roster.

Next: Who's Waiting in the Wing?

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