Atlanta Braves: Dissecting Team Needs for 2016
Sep 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (27) in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
ANYONE BUT CHRISTIAN BETHANCOURT
It comes as no surprise that Christian Bethancourt can not hit big-league pitching, so the Atlanta Braves need to active pursue a catcher this offseason. With A.J. Pierzynski‘s contract expiring at the end of this season, that leaves Christian Bethancourt as the go-to option for next season. Run. Hide. Do anything but that.
-= Related: Matt Wieters: Atlanta Braves’ Catching Solution in 2016? =-
A.J. Pierzynski filled in admirably in his two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, but now he nears his 40th birthday and can’t play everyday behind the plate anymore. That leaves the Braves with one option – go find yourself a new catcher. Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters expects to become a free agent this offseason and would be a nice addition to Atlanta, but do not expect him to come cheap.
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Matt Wieters presents a seamless fit in Atlanta. At 30 years old, Wieters remains in his prime, and if acquired, he fills the void left by Brian McCann, a solid offensive and defensive catcher. However, Wieters demands attention from every team in need of catcher, leaving room for a bidding war. Wieters is a former All-Star and a major upgrade from either Bethancourt or Pierzynski.
In the likely chance that Wieters signs elsewhere, the Atlanta Braves must remain vigilant in acquiring a catcher this offseason. Bethancourt is not the solution behind the plate, so a trade looms in the Atlanta Braves’ future. The San Diego Padres’ catcher Derek Norris comes to mind when thinking of potential trade candidates. The Braves joined forces with the Padres for a pair of trades last offseason, so why not add to the list of trades the two teams conducted?
Next: An Outfield in Question