Reese Kaplan -- Tired of Turkeys Behind the Plate?

Although turkey is traditional for Thanksgiving and ham is traditional for Christmas, maybe this time of the year in between the Mets ought to be thinking Wellington, as in Castillo.  The catcher nicknamed “Beef” actually spells his name with one “L” but that L might stand for “launch” as he’s hit a fair number of home runs over his career.  He came up with a reputation for being somewhat suspect behind the dish but last season nailed 49% of the runners attempting to steal against him.

Currently under contract to the White Sox at a salary of $7.25 million, Castillo might be an interesting stop-gap measure that fits into the modest investment scenario for a catcher already over 30.  Last season in under 200 ABs he hit 17 HRs and drove in 44 while hitting .259.  In 2019 Castillo will turn 32 during this upcoming season.  His contract expires after this season during which he’ll also earn $7.25 million.  He has an option for 2020 at $8 million or a $500K buyout.  For his career he’s averaged 21 HRs, 76 RBIs and .259 in a season.  If Patrick Mazeika continues to develop, then Castillo’s departure would coincide with the timetable for Mazeika’s arrival. 

This type of catcher, though not necessarily as attractive as some of the other options out there, has merit on a number of fronts.  First, it’s just a one-year commitment.  If age starts to catch up to him or he falters under the bright lights of the NL East, you’re off the hook for $500K.  Second, if he does flourish, you can lock him up with the 2020 option.  Third, take a look again at the 49% number for baserunners.  Wow…the pitchers would erect statues to the new man with the golden arm behind the dish. 

Given that he’s just got one firm year of commitment left and while not overly expensive, it’s not chump change either…the White Sox probably wouldn’t be looking for much in return.  We’re probably thinking a trio of Grade B prospects would be enough to get it done. 

Of course, there are a great many people who might think the better push in trade would be to suggest a Windy City reunion with Todd Frazier.  In his only full season with the White Sox the Toddfather slammed 40 HRs and drove in 98.  He’s due to make $9 million next season so the Mets would likely have to sweeten the deal by throwing in someone else with potential to offset the nearly $2 million delta in salary.  Say, for example, you offered the White Sox Gerson Bautista and his 100 mph wild arm along with Frazier…would that be a fair deal to both sides for Castillo?  Maybe you need to toss them a catcher as well.  

I know, I know…so if you trade Frazier what do you do about third base?  Well, internally you could shift Jeff McNeil to 3^rd and open up 2^nd for one of Luis Guillorme, Gavin Cecchini, TJ Rivera or Wilmer Flores.  Or you could go sign a one-year deal for Josh Donaldson to let him reestablish his value while allowing Andres Gimenez time to develop.  Or sign contact hitter D.J. LaMahieu who owns a career .298 batting average to play 2B. 

My thinking is he wouldn’t bust the bank and with the older Kurt Suzuki no longer an option you wouldn’t have to gamble nearly as much money as it would take to land Yasmani Grandal or Wilson Ramos.