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MLB Rumors: Updated Top 5 Landing Spots For Geovany Soto In 2015

Updated Top 5 Landing Spots For Geovany Soto In 2015

Geovany Soto Athletics
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Geovany Soto isn't a household name this offseason, but the veteran backstop is capable of supplying much-needed depth behind the plate for several teams around the league. Soto is a second-tier option at catcher who could see his value increase as the offseason progresses due to a lack of perennial talent available on the open market. Here are five of the teams that could have interest as the offseason unfolds.

5. Chicago Cubs

Geovany Soto Chicago Cubs
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5. Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs
Getty Images

After finishing as the runner-up in the Russell Martin sweepstakes, the Chicago Cubs could consider bringing Soto back as a stopgap solution to their depth issues at catcher. Soto spent the first seven-plus years of his big league career with the Cubs, recording a .252 batting average with 77 home runs and 264 RBIs. Soto hasn't played more than 99 games in a season since 2011, his final full season in Chicago.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

Russell Martin Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

Russell Martin Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates became in immediate need for a catcher after the loss of Martin via free agency. Soto could ultimately supply the Pirates with much-needed insurance behind the plate, assuming he's able to stay healthy. He has spent the last three-plus seasons in the American League, where his numbers have tailed off significantly. A return to the National League could do the veteran some good.

3. Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies
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3. Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies
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The Colorado Rockies don't figure to be contenders in 2015, regardless of whether Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez return to full strength, but recent reports indicate the club could have some interest in Soto. Soto would provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse. He would also likely experience an increase in his overall production at Coors Field. Soto has demonstrated home run pop in the past, bashing 23 long balls in 2008.

2. Texas Rangers

Geovany Soto Texas Rangers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Texas Rangers

Geovany Soto Texas Rangers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It may seem somewhat illogical for the Texas Rangers to re-sign a player they shipped out midway through last season, but Soto could realistically come across the Rangers' radar at some point this offseason. Soto spent two-plus seasons in Texas, slashing an ineffective .223/.287/.401 slash line. His struggles in a Rangers uniform could prevent the club from re-upping, but Texas is in need of a catcher.

1. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Soto played just 14 games with the Oakland Athletics in 2014 but showcased an ability to produce, albeit in a small sample size. Soto recorded 11 hits with eight RBIs in 49 plate appearances in Oakland, good enough for a .262 batting average. The A's are in needed of backup catcher, given the likelihood of John Jaso becoming a permanent designated hitter. Soto would catch once or twice per week behind Derek Norris if they were to re-sign him.

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