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MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Wilson Ramos

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) throws out a ceremonial first pitch before game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) throws out a ceremonial first pitch before game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) fields a ground ball in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) fields a ground ball in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Baltimore Orioles

The list of MLB teams in need of an experienced catcher shrunk slightly after the Houston Astros acquired Brian McCann from the New York Yankees. The Minnesota Twins also filled a need at catcher by signing Jason Castro for three years and $24.5 million. The Orioles remain in the hunt for a catcher for the 2016 season, and possibly beyond, with Matt Wieters becoming a free agent.

Caleb Joseph filled in for Wieters in 2014 and 2015, and performed well enough that some viewed him as a suitable enough stopgap while top prospect Chance Sisco matured in the minors. Unfortunately, Joseph followed his passable seasons up with one of the worst seasons in league history. He saw 141 plate appearances and did not drive in a single run. There is still a chance Joseph could bounce back in 2017 with more regular at-bats considering he did hit 20 home runs and drove in 77 over his first two MLB seasons.

It’s still unclear how aggressive the Orioles plan to be in free agency this winter. Last year’s outpouring of cash was primarily used to keep the roster together, and team payroll will stay at or above record levels after arbitration raises for Manny Machado, Chris Tillman, and Zach Britton. To remain competitive in the AL East, standing pat may not be enough.

As the roster currently stands, the Orioles have a gaping hole behind the dish and in right field. The front office must be aggressive in filling at least one in free agency. Ian Desmond is seen as a potential candidate to play right field, but received the qualifying offer. The club does reportedly have interest in Ramos at this early stage of free agency, and he is a fit for the Orioles. Joseph can catch until Ramos is recovered from his injury, and Sisco’s long-term future may not even be behind the plate. If the Orioles are willing to spend again this winter, they can replace Wieters at catcher and get an offensive upgrade.

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