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The Cincinnati Reds endured numerous injuries throughout the 2015 season, but none of them were as costly as the injury to catcher Devin Mesoraco. Mesoraco had a breakout season the year before when he hit .273 with 25 HRs and 80 RBIs in 114 games. This season, he was limited to a mere 23 games. With Brayan Pena most likely gone via free agency, the Reds will be in need of a backup catcher.
So who can they turn to to fill that need? The answer to their need could come in the form of another catcher who will be looking for a new job, former Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila.
Barring a trade of Brandon Phillips or Jay Bruce, the Reds wouldn’t have the money that would allow them to afford Baltimore Orioles‘ Matt Wieters, so Avila is a more affordable option.
The biggest reason for what should be an affordable price tag on Avila is his below-average hitting ability. Since his 2011 season where he hit .295 with 19 HRs and 82 RBIs in 141 games, he has seen his batting average decline each year. Avila may be a player who just needs a change in scenery.
While his offense has been spotty, his defense, on the other hand, has been pretty good. He’s thrown out 29 percent of base runners throughout his career.
The Reds may have Tucker Barnhart, but he could use a little more time in AAA before becoming a mainstay in the majors. While Avila’s offense isn’t up to par, his experience and defense make him a player to keep an eye on. His below-average offense will lower his price enough to allow the Reds to make a run at him. If the Reds end up signing him, he could be a player who could be an instant impact in his new environment.
Chad Troyan is a Cincinnati Reds writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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