TAMPA — With the World Series matchup set, the official start of MLB’s offseason is nearly here. That means it’s almost time for roster moves, trade talks, free-agent signings and another rite of the Hot Stove season: trying to figure out what the Rays will do behind the plate next year.
That position has been an issue for the Rays throughout their history, as they’ve struggled to develop and promote an everyday catcher from within their system. And it’s been a revolving door since Mike Zunino made four straight Opening Day starts from 2019-22, shuffling through the likes of Francisco Mejía, Christian Bethancourt, René Pinto, Alex Jackson and Ben Rortvedt the past few years.
Since Zunino slugged 33 homers and totaled 4.1 Wins Above Replacement in ’21, Rays catchers have combined for just 3.4 WAR, according to FanGraphs, the eighth-worst output in the Majors during that four-season stretch. Improving behind the plate remains a focus.
“We’re going to keep looking,” president of baseball operations Erik Neander said during his end-of-season press conference last month.
Elite catchers are difficult to acquire in trades, for obvious reasons, and clubs are hesitant to let them reach free agency given the scarcity of front-line talent at that position. But having one makes a huge difference on both sides of the ball. Just look at the starting catchers for the final four teams in this year’s postseason field: Cal Raleigh, Alejandro Kirk, Will Smith and William Contreras.
“Finding someone that excels offensively, excels defensively and excels in all of the intangibles that come with that position, it is nearly impossible. There’s only a handful of them out there,” Neander said. “I can assure you we’re going to continue doing everything that we can to find the right configuration back there, and this winter will be no different.”
Recognizing their need behind the plate, the Rays signed Danny Jansen last offseason, and they were pleased with what the veteran delivered in terms of his offense (a .703 OPS, 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 73 games), his presence behind the plate and his leadership in the clubhouse.
Facing the tough assignment of adapting to a new staff midseason, Feduccia and Fortes delivered mixed results. Fortes hit .213/.307/.348 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 38 games. Feduccia, who hit .271 with an .808 OPS over seven seasons in the Minors, struggled at the plate as he produced a .151/.265/.209 line with eight RBIs in 36 games.
“Hunter Feduccia is someone that we continue to have more belief in than certainly the offensive results that he showed,” Neander said. “Two guys that helped us more on the defensive side than the offensive side, where Danny was a little bit the other way.”
Manager Kevin Cash said late in the season that those catchers’ “priority is to get to know the staff really quick, get to understand what makes these guys good when they’re out on the mound and just be able to help them execute that.” From that perspective, Cash felt both did good work and built a foundation for next season.
But will “Forty and Feddy” be the Rays’ catching duo to begin next season? Or will they find someone who pushes one to Triple-A?
The Rays could turn back to the trade market, whether it’s for a proven player or someone blocked from a bigger opportunity. Or they could trust Fortes and Feduccia, the only catchers on their 40-man roster, with No. 15 prospect Dominic Keegan next in line.
Keegan, a bat-first catcher who earns high praise for his makeup and work ethic but has struggled to slow opposing baserunners, was limited by injuries last season and hit .241/.306/.429 with 10 homers and 36 RBIs in 69 games for Triple-A Durham this year.
“He’s a player that we like. He’s a person that we believe in, and we’ll see where it goes,” Neander said. “Catchers, their development path is far from linear, and we’re excited to see what Dom does this offseason and where he comes in next year.”
