MLB Trade Rumors recently wrote an article detailing three of the White Sox biggest needs. Among the position of needs was catcher. MLBTR wrote that while the White Sox should search the trade market rather than free agency, Matt Wieters landing spot could be of utmost interest to the team.
Wieters is the top remaining catcher on the market. MLBTR believes that when he signs there could be a domino effect in the White Sox catcher pursuit. In doing so, the site suggested three potential trade options at catcher for the South Siders. The site wrote:Free agency doesn’t offer much in the way of solutions, but the White Sox could benefit from Matt Wieters’ decision. If he signs with the Braves, for instance, the Sox would be wise to at least inquire about their former backstop, Atlanta’s Tyler Flowers. On the other hand, the Nationals could shop one of their well-regarded veteran framers – Derek Norris or Jose Lobaton – if they sign Wieters.Tyler Flowers played for the White Sox from 2009 to 2015. He spent his first year with the Braves in 2016. Flowers may no longer be on the White Sox, but after playing for organization so long he must still have connections within the franchise. Those connections could make his transition back to the South Side much easier. Flowers has appeared in 514 major league games over eight seasons. He has hit .232 with 54 homeruns and 183 RBIs. Flowers is known for his framing abilities and is considered one of the best in the league. That framing ability would help benefit the White Sox young starting pitchers. Derek Norris was actually traded from the Padres to the Nationals earlier this offseason with the expectation that he would be the starting catcher. But if the team were to sign Wieters, Norris would become expendable. Norris has appeared in 557 major league games with the Athletics and Padres. He has hit .233 with 54 homeruns, 223 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. Norris made the All Star game in 2014. The White Sox could hope he regains that All Star form and becomes a trade asset at the deadline. Jose Lobaton would probably be the White Sox third option. He doesn't offer any outstanding traits, but has been in the MLB for the past seven seasons. His veteran leadership could help the young pitching staff grow. Lobaton has appeared in 340 major league games with the Padres, Rays and Nationals. He has hit .226 with 17 homeruns and 92 RBIs. Any of Flowers, Norris and Lobaton is an improvement over what the White Sox currently have. Flowers provides one of the best pitch framers in the league as well as a player they're familiar with. Norris provides the White Sox with not only a vet, but a catcher with potential bounce-back value. Lobaton is the weakest link, but is still miles better than Navraez and Smith. If nothing else he allows the team more time to find their catcher of the future. The White Sox must focus on the long-term at catcher. However adding any of these catchers in a low-cost trade would give Rick Hahn ample time to find that catcher while improving the current pitching staff at their own rate. While fans expect the team to trade off their assets, perhaps trading for a catcher would be best for the present and the future of the Chicago White Sox. Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14







