Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez is once again being mentioned in trade rumors. This time, the veteran catcher has been linked to the Los Angeles Angels. New Angels general manager Perry Minasian is looking to add depth behind the plate after signing free agent Kurt Suzuki.
Fansided MLB Insider Robert Murray reported that the Angels were interested in Vazquez and Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. This is the second time since last season that Vazquez has been mentioned in potential trade rumors. Murray added that, “the asking price for Vazquez, 30, is said to be very high and there are doubts whether the Red Sox will entertain trading him.”
Vazquez batted .283 last season with seven home runs and 23 RBI’s in 47 games for Boston. In 2019, he had his best season offensively hitting .276 with 23 home runs and knocking in 72 RBI’s. The veteran back stop has two-years remaining on an extension he signed back in 2018. He will earn $6.25 million in 2021 and the team has a $7 million option on him for 2022.
Christian Vazquez bombs are still happening pic.twitter.com/i3fi6B35kr
— Sox Lunch (@Soxlunch) September 22, 2019
What the Angels could offer
The Angels have been looking for upgrades for behind the plate since the beginning of the offseason. Misasian said in his introductory press conference that upgrading their pitching and catching depth was a priority.
The Angels only have two prospects ranked in the top-100 according to MLB Pipeline who released their 2021 rankings last night. Outfield prospect Brandon Marsh and left-handed pitching prospect Reid Detmers were the only two ranked. Marsh who was drafted in the second round back in 2016 has been projected as a player who will hit for average while continuing to develop his power. He is able to draw walks at the plate and cut down on his strikeout rate back in 2019.
Detmers is the Angels no. 2 prospect in their system and could be coveted by Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. The 6-foot-2 left-hander compares to Rays standout Brendan McKay. Both lefties have a similar build and frame but Detmers stuff ranks slightly below. The lefty offers a fastball that ranges from 90-94 mph, a curveball and a sinking changeup. The Angels are desperate to quality pitching that it seems very unlikely they would trade their top pitching prospect.
Bloom could look for some lesser prospects in return like infielder Kevin Maitan. Back in 2006, he was one of the most hyped prospects on the international market. The Braves quickly signed the infielder for $4.2 million but due to infractions by the team, he was released of his contract. He would later sign with the Angels for $2.2 million. Once projected to be a future shortstop, the 20-year-old defender projects more as a second or third baseman.
Vazquez likely staying put
The Red Sox are unlikely to part with Vazquez with Spring Training on the horizon. The moves Bloom has been making have been to better position this team to be more competitive in 2021. If the Red Sox are potentially out of the playoff hunt by the trade deadline, Bloom could look to move Vazquez and add more depth to his farm system.
Christian Vazquez completes the come back with a HUGE WALK OFF BOMB!
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) June 22, 2019
Vazquez has no desire to play elsewhere and wants to finish his career with the Red Sox. “My goal is to retire here,” Vazquez said. “That’s a goal in my career, to be part of one organization. Have one jersey on my chest all my career.”
Since Bloom has taken over as the head of baseball operations in Boston, he has been bold with his moves. While Vazquez has a desire to remain in Boston, Bloom will always be looking to improve the sustainability of his entire roster.
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