Catchers to consider

[Padres]

​As the IBC White Sox enter the 2021/2022 off season, it appears an area of strength - even surplus - to consider dealing from is the Catcher position. More than likely Gabriel Moreno will not be traded ... leaving the following open for trade​ consideration. ​

Cal Raleigh - The 24 year switch hitting catcher had a rough rookie season as he hit just .180/.223/.309 in 148 PA while his strikeout rate was 35%. But he showed signs of improvement over the last fe​w weeks​ which could be a nice stepping stone for the start of next season. Over his last 11 games he hit .267/.290/.533. He definitely needs to work on plate discipline, but he was showing an improved hit tool over those last 3 weeks. And he was lauded for his defense and game-calling. BA and MLB Pipeline both rated him as Seattle's #5 prospect in their mid-season ratings.

Rafael Marchan - At this point in time the 22 switch-hitter is a clear elite defensive backup, who will likelytake over for J.T. at some point in a couple of seasons or so. There is no reason not to have Marchan as the backup when he showed can hold his own with a .231/.286/.346 slash line in 56 major league PA. Marchan is a phenomenal fielder. BA and MLB Pipeline both rated him as the Phillies #8 prospect in their mid-season ratings.

Mark Kolozsvary - It was a year to remember for Kolozsvary, the 26 year old righty who won a silver medal as Team USA's starting catcher in the Tokyo Olympics and later received his first promotion to the MLB on Sept. 20. Kolozsvary hit .221/.329/.402 at AAA/AA and though he ultimately did not see game action with the Reds, he will enter the 2022 season on the cusp of a big-league debut as he has been known as a solid defensive catcher. “Not only is he a terrific receiver, he understands game planning, he understands putting pitches together and he made such a quick study of our pitching, which was really the main reason why we were able to move forward in the qualifiers,” Olympic Coach Mike Scioscia said “That was critical to what we did and wanted to do. We’ve got a lot of confidence in Mark — not only behind the plate, which was the most important part, but at the plate with his bat.” BA rated him #20 and MLB Pipeline #26 among Reds prospects at the mid-season.

Bryan Lavastida - The 22 year old righty Lavastida has always hit. He's hit over .300 and posted an on-base percentage above .400 at every one of his four minor league stops so far. Lavastida has a shot to be an average hitter with above-average power and a chance to be an average defender behind the plate as well. This year he hit .289/.380/.456 as he rose to Triple A from High A this season. (He also stole 16 bases.) One source said in August the team planned to work him some at first base. It’s possible that it will happen at the instructional ball this month. Lavastida seems destined to start next season in the minors (AAA), but he could be an option at some point over the summer of 2022. He’ll benefit defensively from a full spring training with Hedges and Sandy Alomar Jr. BA had him at #23 while MLB Pipeline had him at #14 among the Indians/Guardians prospects at mid-season.