The MLB offseason is underway, and as with other seasons, there are many free agents. One of them is Yasmani Grandal. After hitting a career-high 28 homers and having 77 RBIs, Grandal’s time as a Brewer may be over. Here are three potential landing spots for catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Atlanta Braves
With the retirement of Brian McCann, the Braves are likely looking for a catcher to add to the roster. Tyler Flowers is still there, but he is going to be 34-years-old when the 2020 regular season starts. As a catcher, playing 162 games does not always happen, and now that Flowers is in his thirties, it could become even tougher for him to play behind the dish as much. This could provide a reason for the Braves to go after Yasmani Grandal. This team has multiple young players, and Grandal would be a veteran in the clubhouse which may help this team.
If Yasmani Grandal played in Atlanta next season, it could help make one of the most talented infields in the majors. Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson are likely going to be infielders for the Braves next season. The team may also resign Josh Donaldson which could boost the team’s baseball talent as well.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have been involved in multiple trade rumors, so why not add Yasmani Grandal as well? If things go well for the Reds as far as building a team this offseason, they could make a run in the 2020 MLB season. With players like Mookie Betts and Didi Gregorius in the mix for the Reds, they could be trying to make some notable moves. Grandal could help this team at the backstop position even though they currently have Tucker Barnhart. Cincinnati is known by many as a hitter’s ballpark, and the switch-hitting Grandal could use that to his advantage should he suit up for the Reds next season. The team could also use him at first base to help give 36-year-old Joey Votto some rest days.
Tampa Bay Rays
With potentially one of the best pitching rotations in the MLB, Yasmani Grandal can fit here. His defense behind the plate can help this team’s pitching staff gain confidence on the mound. At the time of writing, the Rays have just one player listed as catcher on their active roster in Mike Zunino. If the team has the opportunity to sign Grandal, it is something that may be worth looking into.
Another aspect is that, in his time in the MLB, Grandal has played on the Padres, Dodgers and Brewers. If he joined the Rays, it would be his first time playing in the American League. This means he could be used as the designated hitter sometimes if the team wanted to give him a rest from fielding.
Feature Image Courtesy of USA Today.
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