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Rays should deal prospects for former AL East catcher

ByMason Stacy|
Aug 12, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez (7) singles against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-Imagn Images
Aug 12, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez (7) singles against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-Imagn Images | Andy Marlin-Imagn Images

As the Rays test this competitive catcher market, they must analyze each player's defensive prowess and their ability to be an offensive contributor. Very few teams are lucky enough to have a catcher that can greatly enhance the club's offensive capabilities. The Brewers come to mind from the 2024 season as they were able to witness Silver Slugger winner, William Contreras carry an NL-best .281 AVG among catchers.

The Rays probably won't have the luxury of signing a Contreras-type athlete, but there is one catcher in particular that could spark some of his past talent in Tampa Bay. Puerto Rico native, Christian Vazquez arrived to the league in 2014. Since his debut, he is sixth among qualifying American League catchers in batting average and second in WAR.

Aug 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Christian Vazquez
Aug 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Christian Vazquez (8) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Moreover, the former Red Sox prospect is first among all American League catchers in the Fangraphs defensive statistic, which is calculated by a combination of fielding runs above average and a positional adjustment. The "fielding runs above average" stat compares the number of plays the player successfully makes with the average number of plays made by an individual at the identical position. Vazquez has accumulated a 147.3 measure for this statistic, which is 32.1 points higher than the next best AL catcher over a 10-year span.

Obviously, these numbers have dwindled a little bit over the last few years as the 34-year old has slashed .242/.284/.352 with only 22 HRs since the 2022 campaign. Although, the talented backstop has never been known for his power, as he's only collected 68 home runs in his career. His best season was with Boston in 2019 when he hit .276 with 23 HRs and 72 RBIs.

Jul 28, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock (72) and catcher Christian Vazquez
Jul 28, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock (72) and catcher Christian Vazquez (7) react after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in the nine innings at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Nonetheless, there is reason to believe that the Rays could revive this former 9th round pick's career. In 2019, Tampa Bay aided in the resurgence of 30-year old catcher, Travis d'Arnaud. The California native hit .263 with 16 HRs that season before signing with the Braves in 2020. d'Arnaud would go on to become a top-10 offensive catcher in the National League over the next four years. The Rays have the capability of getting the most out of professional players due to their relaxing clubhouse and lack of immense pressure.

If the Rays are able to attain the Minnesota Twins catcher, they will need to deal a few prospects in the process. One possible mock trade could be:

Twins receive: C Raudelis Martinez (Rays No. 57 prospect), RHP Alfredo Zarraga (Rays No. 51 prospect)

Rays receive: C Christian Vazquez

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