2038-06: Talons Season Preview Series: Catcher

[jiminyhopkins]

So begins our look into the franchise as a whole, by position, similar to modern season preview formats pioneered by other teams, mainly Edmonton. In addition to major leaguers and their backups, this series will also highlight minor league depth as well as prospects. Let's start with Catcher, because why not?

ML Starter: Andres Martinez (5/4/8/8/5 Talents)

Martinez was the franchise's first ever Rule 5 selection, and it was a good one. Now in his seventh season as full time backstop (and 10th ML season overall), this year represents the last season before his contractual team options kick in. After a 3.8 WAR season in 2036, Martinez struggled comparatively in 2037, only hitting .209/.326/.393 with 21 home runs and 54 RBI in 118 games. He missed three weeks with a hamstring strain in April, and never really got going after that. Still a feared power hitter, Martinez will have to bounce back to have any hope of the option being picked up.

ML Backup: Ethan Foster (4/6/6/6/4 Talents)

Backup catcher in Phoenix has always been a revolving door, but Foster did well in his small sample of time last season in the role. Obviously that .928 OPS won't be maintained, but as a decent blue collar guy with a good arm, he'll get first crack at keeping the job as the season opens.

Minor League Depth: Vicente Diaz (4/5/7/3/5 Talents)

Diaz looks to begin the year in AAA, but could be called upon as the ML backup or third catcher. He has a similar profile to Foster above, but features more power hitting ability and leadership qualities. He has yet to make his MLB debut, but he recorded a .788 OPS in AAA last year.

Prospect to Watch: Roelof Klooster (8/12/6/6/7 Talents)

The catcher every franchise would want to have. Representing a $3+ million investment in the 2036 IFA market, Klooster is the 6th best prospect in the system and is already being lauded for his work ethic and leadership qualities, as well as his pitch framing capabilities. With a searing line drive stroke, the young Dutchman is already one of the best gap hitters in baseball, and could be one of the better catchers in the BBA when he matures.

[Ted]

Ah, the Talons preview series. Where it all began.

[usnspecialist]

Thank you Marko for proving me right (a comment that will make no sense until podcast is published).

[RonCo]

Probably an important development season for Klooster, but, yeah, he looks like a potential generational overall catcher.