Braves seem to be entertaining wild catching solution no one saw coming

Spring training is finally here as Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers have reported to North Port. It's the first step for fans to become excited for another season. This also gives the organization time to evaluate its talent and depth at each position.

Apparently, the Atlanta Braves are keen on addressing their catching depth. Fans learned earlier on Tuesday that the team sneakily signed Jonah Heim to an MLB contract. He could serve as Drake Baldwin's backup until Sean Murphy returns.

However, that isn't the only catching news to be announced on Tuesday morning. It seems that top Braves prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. is working out with the catchers. This move caught everyone off guard.

Braves appear to be giving Nacho Alvarez Jr. a look at catcher in camp which is absolutely wild

Alvarez has never played the catcher position as a professional. It makes sense that Atlanta would want to have an emergency option. This isn't the first time the Braves have done something like this. Charlie Culberson is another former player who could have served as an emergency backup catcher.

While this is bizarre, it's fine so long as the Braves don't actually end up needing Alvarez to catch. If it comes to that, something has gone horrifically wrong. But it's a good idea for Alvarez to do this for himself. He doesn't really have a place to play at the moment in the big leagues. Adding this versatility allows him to be a bit more valuable. That's never a bad thing to have.

Alvarez Jr.'s bat hasn't been much to write home about with a .216 average over 66 games played at the MLB level. However, his defense was very impressive, especially when he was covering third base for Austin Riley. That defensive acuity may be why the Braves feel confident he could easily make the transition to a catcher role. Again, there would have to be a lot to go wrong this season for Alvarez to get a shot behind the dish.

It does leave fans questioning why they would be so worried about catching depth. It could mean they plan on using Baldwin in a DH role a bit more often. They've yet to sign a replacement for Marcell Ozuna, who is now with the Pirates.

There's still time to address some glaring needs, but the Braves are in a much better place right now than they were last offseason. We just need the bulk of the roster to remain healthy.