Recent reports have Oakland A's catcher Sean Murphy being traded to the Atlanta Braves. Now by acquiring one of the most talented backstops, could the Braves make d'Arnaud available and should San Diego look into this option?
Credit to The Score for this image.
For those of you that do not know, I have high upside for catching prospect Luis Campusano and I truly believe he can be our future starting catcher, commanding the game for our pitchers for years. However, it does not hurt to throw out some ideas during the free agency period.
One idea in mind is taking a peek at Atlanta Braves' catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Why? I am sure d'Arnaud does not want to be a backup for Murphy and would demand playing time.
d'Arnaud, 33, has revived his career after receiving much criticism for his game with the New York media for the first few seasons spent with the Mets organization. Before Atlanta, gave two quick stints with the Dodgers and Rays, in which d'Arnaud got to take a nice role with Atlanta after proving himself with Tampa Bay.
A career slashline at .252/.312/.428 is decent for a catcher in today's game, but not a risk worth taking if it means that the Padres have to trade some higher value for the veteran backstop.
However, d'Arnaud also brings solid defense behind the plate. As in 2022, d'Arnaud ranked in the 76th percentile for framing, while current Padres' catcher Austin Nola was below average at 30th.
d'Arnaud has a club option at the end of 2024 and will be an unrestricted free agent the following year.
San Diego has been eyeing catchers within the past few weeks, as Christian Vazquez has drawn interest and rumors are surrounding Austin Nola, who could be on the trade block. Not a number one priority on the position list, but there is room for improvement.
Credit to the East Village Times for this image.
At the end of the day, this is just something to keep the Padres relevant in free agency if the higher priorities fail this offseason. There is always room to grow at any position and San Diego wants better production from behind the plate both offensively and defensively. Grabbing a d'Arnaud or Vazquez would put a stunt in development for Campusano and either move could dictate his future with the club.
We will see what happens within the next few weeks, as starting pitchers are getting paid left and right and leaving the Padres high and dry. But let's keep the faith Friar Faithful because we know what Preller can do. Look what he just did with the organization in Bogaerts. Let's focus on higher necessities before a catching upgrade if needed at all. But why not have some fun with ideas while free agency is still underway.
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