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Atlanta Braves Catching: What Free Agent?

By Fred Owens

Sep 20, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers (25) and Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) shake ands after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers (25) and Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) shake ands after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) drives in a run with an infield single during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) drives in a run with an infield single during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Castro

At 29 years old Castro has a reputation for being a solid defender with a below league average rate (26% career) for throwing out runners who frames pitches well. This year his pitch framing ranked just below Tyler Flowers but at the plate he was well below the current Braves backstop.

Over the last three seasons Castro’s bat virtually vanished – .215/.291/.369/.660 OPS+84, 36 homers, 56 doubles – and looked to be on his way to being nontendered.

Then the injury Ramos happened and Houston was suddenly considering an extension. In any case he looks more like a backup catcher than the five game a week starter the Braves seek.

Things to consider:

  • 50 WP, 12 PB in 908 2/3 innings
  • In eight seasons averages 91 games perhaps due to weak bat
  • Career .232/.301/.390/.691 line
  • Ranked fifth in catcher framing
  • Threw out 14 of 59 base stealers 24%
  • After Ramos’ injury Astros began making noise about extending Castro
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