Could Matt Wieters possibly join the Atlanta Braves this year? General manager John Coppolella has expressed interest in the free agent catcher.
Matt Wieters to Atlanta Could Happen
Wieters is currently 30 years old and has been a four-time All-Star throughout his career. Wieters’ price tag will have to drop down in order for a deal to take place. The Braves already signed former White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers to a two-year deal worth $5.3 million last off-season. While they already have a commitment to Flowers, Atlanta most likely would not mind adding an upgrade to their lineup. In 124 games this past season, Wieters compiled a .243 batting average, 17 home runs and 66 RBI. Flowers, in just 83 games, posted a .270 batting average, eight home runs and 41 RBI. Wieters’ power will improve any lineup in the league, especially the Atlanta Braves.
Local Product
In addition to being able to fill a need for the Braves, Wieters is considered to be a local product. Having grown up in the Charleston, South Carolina area, Wieters went on to become a star at Georgia Tech. His successful college career led him to become the fifth overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft. Due to jump starting his baseball career in the city of Atlanta, the Braves also have an opportunity to get a “hometown discount.” Atlanta may be able to sign Wieters at a cheaper price compared to most MLB teams.
The Braves first expressed interest in Wieters back in November, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Unfortunately, they did not want to match agent Scott Boras’ asking price for his player. There is only one other problem for a deal to take place between Wieters and the Braves. The Braves currently have depth at the catcher position. Along with Flowers, the Braves also have two other catchers in Anthony Recker and Tuffy Gosewisch.
#Braves are interested in him, yes. https://t.co/PVEmN7Peew
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienAJC) November 7, 2016
Wieters’ Other Options
Wieters is one of the top remaining free agents in baseball along with Mark Trumbo and Jose Bautista. The Washington Nationals are another possible landing spot as they decided not to re-sign veteran catcher Wilson Ramos. Former San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris is currently expected to be Ramos’ replacement as Washington traded for the 27-year-old earlier this month. Norris’ numbers (.186 batting average, 14 home runs and 42 RBI) were not productive this season for San Diego. Wieters’ power is a better option if the Nationals are looking to upgrade their lineup. Other reasonable landing spots for Wieters include the Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets. The Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners could be possible destinations as well for a short-term deal. The rest of the teams in the league seem to have their catching situation intact for the time being.
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