Angels Rumors: 3 free agent catchers to consider

The Angels will need a starting catcher if Max Stassi is forced to miss time, and there are plenty of free agents to choose from.

With Monday’s announcement of an expected 162-game season, teams like the Angels can be more aggressive in their offseason moves. One area GM Perry Minasian is reportedly looking to improve is the catcher position.

As of today, the Angels have two catchers on the active roster, Max Stassi and Anthony Bemboom. The combination is solid in terms of run prevention, but neither offers much on offense. While Stassi put up his best career numbers at the plate last summer (.278 BA 7 HR 20 RBI .886 OPS), he could miss the start of the 2021 season following hip surgery.

Hoping Stassi can duplicate his offensive success while coming back from an injury of that nature might be asking for much. Los Angeles is better suited to bring in another proven catcher if they can. Aside from production, this could also attract free-agent pitchers like Trevor Bauer.

Last week the Angels were also reportedly interested in Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. That trade would be an improvement on offense and defense, but it probably means parting ways with promising young talent.

It’s possible Minasian can bring in a solid catcher from the outside, without impacting the future of the organization. Luckily, the traditionally slow offseason has moved even slower. As of Monday, there was roughly 88 percent of free agents still available.

You don’t have to be a numbers-guy, or baseball insider, in assuming that means there are still viable catching options in that group of unsigned free agents. The Angels have some options to choose from.