Cleveland Indians: Expect Catching Position To Remain As Is

After the roller coaster ride of attempting to upgrade the Cleveland Indians catcher position, expect the position to remain the same.

The Cleveland Indians came so close to improving their catcher position in the form of Milwaukee Brewers backstop Jonathan Lucroy. However, he declined to waive his no-trade clause.

The reasons why he did that is because of money and playing time. Who could blame him right? Well, for some that may be the case, but it also shows that Lucroy was not willing to take a backseat to possibly play for a World Series with the Cleveland Indians.

Now that Lucroy made his decision, the Tribe is now looking elsewhere, but that does not mean for catchers. Minnesota Twins catcher Kirk Suzuki is now likely the best at his position who is on the trade market.

Related Story: Lucroy Uses Veto But Tribe Still Acquires Miller

Suzuki is no Lucroy and it does not make sense for Cleveland to give up prospects for a player like him. Current Cleveland Indians catchers Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez are holding down the fort, probably for the rest of the season.

More from Factory of Sadness

• Bet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!
• 3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next year
• It might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are back
• Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
• Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo

The catcher position as a whole(including when Yan Gomes played) for the Indians has not produced the necessary production needed to succeed. Still, there are worse catchers who could be suiting up for the Tribe who plays in MLB.

On the plus side, Gimenez has been getting more comfortable with the pitching staff. If the Indians decide to trade prospects, how about they trade them for outfield or third base help? Since Cleveland is moving on, those are the positions that should be on the top of their wish list.

More from Cleveland Guardians

• Emmanuel Clase is not struggling for the Cleveland Guardians in 2023
• 3 teams the Cleveland Guardians should trade Shane Bieber to
• Zach Plesac’s tenure with the Cleveland Guardians will not be fondly remembered
• Terry Francona continues to pad his historic resume during Cleveland Guardians tenure
• Don’t Miss One of Ohio’s Biggest Sportsbook Promos (Unlock $1,250 Bonus at Caesars!)

Oakland A’s outfielder Josh Reddick and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce could be options. Adding another piece to the bullpen would be beneficial too.

Unfortunately, there are not many difference making players at third base who could be dealt. That said, the lack of impact players at the position should not stop Cleveland from attempting to make a deal.

Perez has had his share of injuries this season but he is back. So far in 2016, Perez has received a bad rap for his level of play — deservedly so.

Then again, he has only played in 11 games this season for the Cleveland Indians. Without consistent playing time, it is hard to get a run of success going. Or anything going for that matter. This season, Perez has a -0.2 OWAR and a 0.3 DWAR.

Perez is not a starting caliber MLB catcher at this point in his career. Luckily, Gimenez has been more serviceable.

He has appeared in 42 games, but his impact has been more on the defensive side. Regardless of what happens by tomorrow, the Indians catchers must improve their production offensively.

If there were more catchers like Lucroy available, who has the versatility to play first if needed, then that player would already be part of the Cleveland Indians.Otherwise, Perez and Gimenez will continue to play.

Next: Frank Robinson Is True Star Of HoF Weekend

Over the next 24 hours or so plenty could still happen. It will be very interesting to see Cleveland’s attempt play out as they try to upgrade the team even mire.