Based on reporter Francys Romero, the Braves made a suggestion to free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal “a couple of month in the past.” For sure, Grandal, who stays unsigned, turned down the proposed deal. The phrases of Atlanta’s supply weren’t included in Romero’s report.
Grandal, 36, is the highest catcher remaining on the free agent market. Relying on how groups view James McCann and Yan Gomes, Grandal is arguably the one unsigned catcher able to filling greater than a backup position. Throughout his greatest years, he was broadly thought of one of many high catchers within the sport. His efficiency dropped off considerably in 2022 and ’23, however he rebounded with the Pirates in 2024. His offensive numbers have been barely above common for a catcher in almost each class, whereas his top-notch pitch framing numbers made him a invaluable defender behind the dish. He completed the season with 1.4 FanGraphs WAR in 72 video games performed.
Up till lately, one may need thought the Braves have been set at catcher. Sean Murphy is getting into the third 12 months of his six-year, $73MM contract extension, and the Braves absolutely need him to play as a lot as doable. Whereas he had a down 12 months in 2024, he is just one 12 months faraway from an All-Star season in 2023. As well as, the consensus high prospect in Atlanta’s system is catcher Drake Baldwin. Quickly to be 24, Baldwin excelled at Triple-A final 12 months and has continued to excel this spring. He appears able to make his MLB debut. It’s arduous to think about how Grandal would have match into the combination.
Nonetheless, issues modified final week when the Braves introduced that Murphy would miss 4 to 6 weeks with a cracked rib cage. That makes Baldwin the probably Opening Day starter. Abruptly, the teenager is going through way more stress to succeed straight away. Thus, if the Braves had any curiosity in Grandal final month, one would assume that curiosity would solely be larger now that Murphy is about to overlook prolonged time. Certainly, Jon Heyman of The New York Submit reported a number of days in the past that the Braves have been “contemplating” Grandal and McCann.
From Grandal’s perspective, signing with the Braves may now appear extra interesting than it did final month. He would have a transparent path to common taking part in time (or a minimum of a break up position with Baldwin) whereas Murphy is on the shelf. That may solely be for a few weeks, besides, it will give Grandal an opportunity to show he nonetheless deserves a serious league alternative, whether or not in Atlanta or some other place. The Braves are the one group identified to have expressed curiosity in Grandal this winter, however maybe one other membership may look to accumulate him if he will get a giant league gig and performs effectively.
Romero notes that Grandal is hoping to proceed his taking part in profession, although he may think about retirement if the correct deal doesn’t come collectively. The 36-year-old has loved a extremely profitable 13-year tenure in Main League Baseball with the Padres, Dodgers, Brewers, White Sox, and Pirates. At his peak, he was a well-above-average offensive catcher, placing up an .807 OPS and a 121 wRC+ over his first 10 seasons. Nonetheless, his most respected instrument has all the time been his glove. Specifically, Grandal is broadly thought of one of the gifted pitch framers of his era. Based on FanGraphs, he has racked up 152.0 framing runs all through his profession, simply essentially the most amongst lively catchers. Austin Hedges ranks second with 89.3. If Grandal chooses to hold up his catching gear, he will definitely have a powerful profession to look again on.
