Three Backup Catcher Options For The Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians just recently informed highly ranked catching prospect, Bo Naylor, that he would be starting the season at Triple-A. It wasn't necessarily a shocking revelation based on how Terry Francona and the organization have talked about Naylor all winter.
However, there are many more decisions that have to be made now. Mike Zunino will be the everyday catcher for the foreseeable future, but who will be his backup?
It's unlikely at this point of the season that the Guardians would sign a free agent or make a trade, so these are three in-house catching options for Cleveland.
Bryan Lavastida
The most obvious choice to start the season as the backup to Mike Zunino is Bryan Lavasitda. One reason that this makes the most sense is that Lavastida is already on Cleveland's 40-man roster so no additional moves would need to be made.
This also wouldn't be Lavastida's first run in The Show. The 24-year-old catcher was on the Guardians' roster at the start of last season and played in five games. Over just seven plate appearances he accumulated two hits.
But Lavastida then was sent back down to Triple-A where he struggled a lot. If Cleveland wanted a low-risk move that wouldn't cost them a roster spot then this is the option to go with.
David Fry
If the Guardians wanted to stay in-house and are alright with making a move on the 40-man then David Fry is an easy candidate to make the roster as the backup catcher.
Fry has been fantastic so far in Spring Training. He's batting .462 with a 1.556 OPS including two home runs and five RBI over 13 plate appearances. The only concern with him is that Fry doesn't always catch. He's a versatile player who also plays first base and third which could affect how's he able to handle a Major League staff.
However, Terry Francona said he will get more time as the catcher in the upcoming week.
Cam Gallagher
If Cleveland wants to take the veteran approach then having Cam Gallagher on the roster is their best option. The 30-year-old played six seasons for the Kansas City Royals.
Gallagher may not provide the most offensively, but he has more experience than both Lavastida and Fry in the Big Leagues.
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