Miami Marlins: 5 Catchers to Target in the Offseason

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.

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.