Red Sox rumors: 3 best trade destinations for J.D. Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi, Christian Vazquez

Red Sox Rumors: 3 Landing Spots for Christian Vazquez

The add of Vazquez to the rental catching market is a boon to the buying teams. They no longer have to compete for just Willson Contreras. Vazquez is nearly as good and cheaper. He plays better defense and has made more contact this season. I’ll take that compared to overpaying for a mainly DH catcher. Vazquez is hitting .280/.324/.430 with a 106 OPS+ and 19 doubles/8 home runs. He’s driven in 40.

The first team that would be ideal for Vazquez is the Houston Astros. They have been in on Contreras and could pivot to the cheaper Vazquez. Martin Maldonaldo isn’t getting it done as their No.1 catcher. Vazquez has a good glove and a way better bat. This could allow them to get the best of both worlds being able to start a player that can quickly learn a pitching staff.

Vazquez is playoff tested and knows how to run a pitching staff in tense situations. This would be a brilliant move by the Astros who could add to their team without sacrificing too much in prospects. Then, they can spend more on a reliever or first baseman.

A second team that should be in on Vazquez is the New York Mets. They are also in on WIllson but have been rebuffed by his price. They could easily pivot here and make a deal for Vazquez. The Red Sox might prefer it too since it would get Vazquez out of the AL. They could avoid sending a player to their rival too. Perhaps the Mets go for a package deal with J.D. Martinez.

No doubt about it, the Mets must add a catcher. Tomas Nido can’t handle the workload. James McCann has been injured or underperforming. This would be a move that could affect the outcome of them winning their division or falling to the Wild Card round.

One final team that should go for Vazquez is the Cleveland Guardians. They have been a surprising team this year with a legitimate shot to win their division. However, they need more offense. One obvious spot to upgrade at is at their catcher spot. Austin Hedges is their main catcher. He’s a terrific defender and backup catcher.

He shouldn’t start everyday because he just can’t hit. He has a .172/.235/.278 batting line through 63 games. This is just pathetic for a team that could make the playoffs. Therefore, they should add a great hitting and defensive catcher like Vazquez. If they are serious about making the playoffs, this is a move that must be made. Don’t be surprised if the Guardians are trying to make a move for Vazquez.