Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Marlins lost out on free-agent catcher Dioner Navarro Monday losing out to the Toronto Blue Jays. Navarro and the Blue Jays agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal. Although primarily a backup, it seems that the Blue Jays are moving on from J.P. Arencibia after non-tendering him later in the day. The Marlins lost out on another possible free-agent acquisition and it is getting a bit deflating.
However, the Marlins are still working hard to acquire a catcher and the team may be setting its limits high. Miami is looking at catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to take over the catching duties for 2014 and beyond. However, the problem with going after Saltalamacchia is that they may have to contend with the Boston Red Sox. Neither team is going to spend an inordinate amount of money but Miami contending for him is interesting.
Although there may be concerns about his health in the future, Saltalamacchia played 121 games for the Red Sox batting a solid .273/.338/.466 with 14 homers, 65 RBI and a career-high 40 doubles. He is also considered to be the second best catcher on the market after Brian McCann, who signed with the New York Yankees. Obviously Saltalamacchia would be a huge upgrade over Rob Brantly or Jeff Mathis and could provide possible protection around Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup.
Both teams have offered Saltalamacchia a two-year deal, according to FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal. Things could pick up as the offseason nears the winter meetings.
Ryan Gaydos is an MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. He comments on Miami Marlins rumors. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
