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With current catcher Kurt Suzuki struggling, the Minnesota Twins are looking for other options behind the plate. Here are five other catchers they could target this trade deadline in order to improve their offense.
5. Dioner Navarro - Toronto Blue Jays
Getty ImagesNavarro's numbers aren't that impressive, but he's been a productive offensive catcher in the past and can do so again. His ability to switch hit is valuable, and he's always been a guy who plays better when he's getting regular playing time. The fit in Minnesota seems natural for both sides.
.229 average, 2 HRs, 11 RBIs
Navarro's numbers aren't that impressive, but he's been a productive offensive catcher in the past and can do so again. His ability to switch hit is valuable, and he's always been a guy who plays better when he's getting regular playing time. The fit in Minnesota seems natural for both sides.
4. Alex Avila - Detroit Tigers
Getty ImagesAgain, Avila isn't having the most impressive year offensively, but he's also not getting regular playing time. With a change of scenery, things might be different. Especially if the Tigers go into full-scale sell mode, he could be on the move. Since the Twins are one of the teams in most desperate need of catching help, it makes sense that the two sides would at least discuss a deal.
.192 batting average, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs
Again, Avila isn't having the most impressive year offensively, but he's also not getting regular playing time. With a change of scenery, things might be different. Especially if the Tigers go into full-scale sell mode, he could be on the move. Since the Twins are one of the teams in most desperate need of catching help, it makes sense that the two sides would at least discuss a deal.
3. Jonathan Lucroy - Milwaukee Brewers
Getty ImagesLucroy is having a down year after a breakout season in 2014, but that could work in the Twins' favor. Since he's struggling, Minnesota could potentially acquire him for cheaper than his actual value in hopes that he will turn it around in the second half. Dealing for Lucroy would also impact the team next season as he's under contract through the 2016 league year.
.243 average, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs
Lucroy is having a down year after a breakout season in 2014, but that could work in the Twins' favor. Since he's struggling, Minnesota could potentially acquire him for cheaper than his actual value in hopes that he will turn it around in the second half. Dealing for Lucroy would also impact the team next season as he's under contract through the 2016 league year.
2. Derek Norris - San Diego Padres
Getty ImagesNorris is a legitimate run producer and is the best pure hitter on this list. For that reason, though, he would also cost the Twins the most prospects in a potential deal. The catcher could be well worth the prospect load, though, because he is under team control through 2019. That means making a move for him could help the team improve their offensive output from the catcher position this season while locking up their long-term solution at the position.
.231 average, 11 HRs, 45 RBIs
Norris is a legitimate run producer and is the best pure hitter on this list. For that reason, though, he would also cost the Twins the most prospects in a potential deal. The catcher could be well worth the prospect load, though, because he is under team control through 2019. That means making a move for him could help the team improve their offensive output from the catcher position this season while locking up their long-term solution at the position.
1. A.J. Pierzynski - Atlanta Braves
Jason Getz - USA Today SportsWhy not bring Pierzynski back to where it all started? The veteran catcher spent the first six seasons of his career in Minnesota, and now the team could desperately use his help. He's a veteran presence that gets under the skin of the other team but is great in the clubhouse. That's an underrated trait that isn't often considered when looking for players at the trade deadline. Even though he would most certainly be a rental player, Pierzynski could infuse some excitement into this young Twins team that appears ready to compete.
.280 average, 6 HRs, 30 RBIs
Why not bring Pierzynski back to where it all started? The veteran catcher spent the first six seasons of his career in Minnesota, and now the team could desperately use his help. He's a veteran presence that gets under the skin of the other team but is great in the clubhouse. That's an underrated trait that isn't often considered when looking for players at the trade deadline. Even though he would most certainly be a rental player, Pierzynski could infuse some excitement into this young Twins team that appears ready to compete.
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