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Atlanta Braves Catching: Four Trade Targets

By Fred Owens

Sep 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Catchers mask and glove sits in dugout before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Catchers mask and glove sits in dugout before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez would make a nice addition to the Atlanta Braves
October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Roberto Perez

I’ve been talking about Perez for a long time. Eleven months ago I suggested the Braves pair him with A.J. Perez a 33rd round selection of the Indians in the 2008 draft. Ranked the best defensive catcher in the Indians system from 2010 through 2012 he was named the Indians #15 prospect by Baseball America (subscription required) after the 2013 season and made his major league debut in 2014.

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the BA scouting report said that Perez, “. . . his offense took a major step forward” in 2014 giving him,” a chance to be more than just a defense-first backup.” They lauded his “bat-to-ball skills” and a short swing that allowed him “to let the ball travel deep in the zone”

His improved offense didn’t affect his still stellar defense. He calls a good game, receives the ball well and has an above-average throwing arm.

Perez broke him thumb four games into this season and didn’t return until after the All Star break. He had only 24 rehab at bats before rejoining the Indians and struggled to find his timing for 25 games.

On August 21st however he started to hit again and in the 99PA that took him to the end of the season he posted .263/.326/.438/.763 line (ISO of 175). Fangraphs ranks him 20th, Inside Edge ranked him third and Stat Cast ranked his framing ninth.

If you’ve watched the Indians this post season you’ve seen him provide timely hitting and superb defense behind the dish. The Indians however have Yan Gomes and Chris Gimenez on the books MLB Pipeline’s #4 catching prospect and Baseball’s #84 prospect Francisco Mejia waiting in the wings.

Perez might cost a little more in prospects but he is major league proven on both sides of the ball. Mallex Smith might be the kind of offer they couldn’t turn down.

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