Several MLB catchers were on the move in free agency and trades this offseason.
Sean Murphy was traded to the Atlanta Braves from the Oakland Athletics.
Tucker Barnhart signed with the Chicago Cubs, and longtime Cubs backstop and 2016 World Series champion Willson Contreras joined the rival St. Louis Cardinals.
Christian Vazquez also joined the Minnesota Twins on a three-year deal.
And so, several catchers find themselves in new uniforms this spring.
On Sunday, MLB insider Jon Morosi stopped by MLB Network’s Hot Stove morning show to discuss the moves that certain teams made to acquire new catchers and what a change of scenery could mean for these players.
.@jonmorosi details a few catchers with new clubs in this season to keep an 👁️ on. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/JbYlPac1IO
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 19, 2023
Morosi started off by talking about Contreras.
With Yadier Molina now retired, St. Louis needed a new backstop and found their man when they signed Contreras.
For the first time since 2004, the Cards’ Opening Day catcher will not be Molina.
That year, it was Mike Matheny.
Recently, Contreras caught the first bullpen session of the year for Adam Wainwright, who had thrown to Molina ever since the beginning of his career.
Morosi then moved on to Murphy, citing the expectations for the young catcher as he begins the next chapter of his career.
He was a hot commodity this offseason, with teams such as the Cardinals, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays being listed as potential fits.
Murphy has quickly become one of the best two-way catchers in the game today, having won a Gold Glove in 2021 and emerging as a power threat at the plate.
Things will be different for a few catchers this year, and the expectations will certainly be high.
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