Red Sox acquire former SF Giants, Blue Jays catcher in trade with Mets
The Boston Red Sox acquired former SF Giants catcher Tyler Heineman in a trade with the New York Mets for cash considerations earlier this week. Heineman was claimed off waivers by the Mets in December, but New York designated him for assignment last week, setting the stage for this minor trade.
SF Giants catcher Tyler Heineman throws to first base at Oracle Park. (2020)
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Heineman was drafted in the eighth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of UCLA by the Houston Astros. However, it would take him more than seven years (and three organizations) to make his big-league debut with the Miami Marlins in September of 2019.
As can be the case for fringe MLB catchers, Heineman has often been at Triple-A with a team when they need another catcher and call him up to the majors for a short time. Then, once the team's catching depth is healthier, Heineman is designated for assignment where another team claims him and the cycle continues.
The Giants signed Heineman to a minor-league free-agent contract prior to the 2020 season. He was unexpectedly thrust into an even larger role with the team once star catcher Buster Posey decided to opt out of the COVID-shortened 2020 season. With a need behind the plate, the Giants called upon Heineman as their Opening Day starter behind the plate.
Heineman was coming off the best minor-league season of his career in 2019, and the Giants were hopeful he could carry that success to the majors. He had hit .336/.400/.590 with 17 doubles, 13 home runs, 21 walks, and 35 strikeouts in 273 plate appearances with the Marlins Triple-A affiliate. While Heineman consistently put the ball in play, only striking out six times in 50 plate appearances, his lack of power left the Giants in need of more. He hit just .190/.292/.214 in 15 games with San Francisco before the team decided to go in a different direction.
Since his stint in the Bay Area, Tyler Heineman has spent time in the Cardinals, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Pirates organizations, appearing in the majors with both the Pirates and Blue Jays. Now, the 32-year-old catcher will look to get back to the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox.
