LA Angels 2021 spring training guide: assessing the catcher competition

Angles Non-Roster Catchers (Highest Playing Level Statistics):

• Juan Graterol (27) (MLB, 4 seasons): 129 PA .218/.227/.266 0 HR 14 RBI
• Jack Kruger (26) (AA, 2 seasons): 560 PA .262/.309/.354 7 HR 58 RBI
• Anthony Mulrine (22) (Rk, 1 season): 159 PA .250/.390/.430 5 HR 26 RBI
• Keinner Pina (24) (A+, 1 season): 60 PA .173/.283/.192 0 HR 1 RBI
• Harrison Wenson (25) (A, 2 seasons): 528 PA .158/.290/.328 18 HR 61 RBI

Standing out among the non-roster backstops is 27-year old Juan Graterol. The veteran is the ‘old man’ of the group, and is the only catcher of the five invitees with MLB experience.

In four seasons from 2016-2019, Graterol posted a line of .218/.227/.266 with zero home runs and 14 RBI in 129 career plate appearances. In that span, Graterol has only appeared in more than ten games once, 47 in 2017 as a member of the Angels.

Juan Graterol could find himself as the Angels backup catcher on Opening Day.

There’s a chance Graterol can earn a spot on the opening day roster, but it would take a solid spring camp to beat out Anthony Bemboom as the team’s backup.

I think the same can be said about the four other non-roster invitees. The idea is to have as much depth as possible to limit the wear and tear of the catchers on the active roster during spring games.

The roster will be trimmed as spring training moves along, but it gives the Angels an opportunity to keep an eye on the players who might be called upon at some point during the season.