Miami Marlins: 5 Catchers to Target in the Offseason

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Atlanta Braves catcher William Contreras (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

As we have now officially reached the offseason, there are many different moves that the Miami Marlins could make over the next couple of weeks. However, one move in-particular that seems likely for the Marlins is acquiring a new starting catcher for the 2022 season.

The Marlins used many different players at the position throughout the 2021 season, with the starter from the group being Jorge Alfaro. Alfaro however struggled both offensively and defensively making his return to Miami in 2022 up in the air.

However, the Marlins do enter the offseason with a few younger options at the position such as Alex Jackson, Nick Fortes, and Payton Henry, but it doesn’t appear any of those options will be ready to start at the big league level to begin next season.

So, when looking at potentially which positions to make a move for this offseason, catcher certainly makes sense.

Five catching targets for the Miami Marlins in the offseason

This will take a look at five catchers to target in the offseason, each of which are either a free agent, or a trade target. While the Miami Marlins could look in multiple different directions when looking to acquire a catcher this offseason, these five options you could certainly argue make sense to contend in both 2022 and beyond.

5. William Contreras – Atlanta Braves

If the Marlins are looking to acquire a younger catcher in the offseason, there aren’t many options more-appealing than Contreras. One of the Braves Top 10 overall prospects entering the 2021 season, the 23-year-old appeared in a total of 52 games with Atlanta this season in which he slashed .215/.303/.399 with eight home runs and 23 RBI’s, as well as a 37% caught-stealing percentage defensively.

While the Marlins would have to trade for a Braves catcher once again after acquiring the previously mentioned Jackson at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline, the Atlanta system is loaded with catching depth that includes both Contreras and Shea Langeliers, the No. 10 overall catching prospect in baseball. While it is unlikely that the Braves trade Langeliers, potentially trading for Contreras in the offseason is a possibility, and would give the Marlins their catcher of the future that is big league ready right now.

Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

4. Roberto Perez – Free Agent

A veteran backstop who could be an intriguing option for the Marlins is Perez, who has spent all eight years of his MLB career with Cleveland. Appearing in 44 games with Cleveland this past season, the 32-year-old posted a .564 OPS with seven home runs and 17 RBI’s.

With his team-option for the 2022 season having recently been declined by Cleveland, Perez is now a free agent, and instantly becomes one of the more sought-after defensive catchers available. Due for a bounce-back season offensively in 2022, Perez would be an intriguing option for the Marlins as a back-up option who is elite defensively, having won a Gold Glove in both 2019 and 2020.

3. Mitch Garver – Minnesota Twins

One of the top offensive catchers in baseball during the 2021 season was Garver, a potential trade candidate this offseason. Despite only appearing in 68 games with the Twins, the 30-year-old backstop slashed an impressive .256/.378/.517 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI’s.

Also seeing time at first base and DH, Garver could potentially be available in a trade sometime this offseason, and would likely takeover as Miami’s starting catcher from day one if a trade happens. Also under control for two more years, a potential trade for a proven offensive catcher like Garver could be one of the more-intriguing potential offseason moves.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

2. Jacob Stallings – Pittsburgh Pirates

If the Miami Marlins are looking for an experienced catcher who is still under control for three more seasons, then trading with the Pirates for Stallings is the move. Coming off a career-year this past season, the 31-year-old slashed .246/.335/.369 with eight home runs and 53 RBI’s, as well as a by-far career-high 3.0 WAR.

A six-year veteran with the Pirates, Stallings has posted a .700+ OPS each of the past three seasons, and is strong defensively as well holding a .993 fielding percentage and a 27% caught stealing percentage for his career. A veteran option at the position who would be under team-control for multiple years, a potential trade for Stallings you could certainly argue is the likeliest move at catcher that happens this offseason.

1. Willson Contreras – Chicago Cubs

Undoubtedly the move that would make the biggest splash for Miami in the offseason at the position is trading for Contreras from the Cubs. A two-time All-Star and 2016 World Series champion, Contreras appeared in a total of 128 games with Chicago this past season in which he slashed .237/.340/.438 with 21 home runs, 57 RBI’s, and five stolen bases.

While a potential trade for Contreras would certainly make the biggest immediate impact for the Marlins in 2022, the 29-year-old is also a free agent at the end of next season, meaning that Miami would need to extend the veteran before he reaches free agency. A potential trade for Contreras however would certainly be the biggest trade for a catcher that Miami could make in the offseason, and would also provide undoubtedly the biggest impact at the position for the Marlins in 2022.

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When looking at how the Miami Marlins will potentially acquire a new starting catcher in the offseason, a trade seems to be the likeliest route. If Miami does trade for a catcher as well, will the Marlins make a big splash by trading for Contreras, a controllable option like Stallings or Garver, or a younger option such as Contreras?

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