Baltimore Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters to Return
Mar 7, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) works out before a spring training baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The news has hit that Matt Wieters has taken the $15.8 million qualifying offer for the 2016 season and will be back with the Baltimore Orioles.
wieters had multiyear chances but likes baltimore, gets nice raise to $15.8M, is just 29 & can reset w/ healthy year in '16
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2015
Following the lead of Colby Rasmus who yesterday became the first MLB player to take a QO, Wieters was not particularly expected to do so … mostly because of his agent Scott Boras. Honestly, it is probably a wise move for him from a career perspective. That would be unless he completely crashes in 2016, which even a less than enthused Wieters fan as myself does not expect to happen. But I’m not alone in concerns that Wieters will not ever be all that was ever hoped he could be, let alone worth nearly $16 million for a season.
Wieters is going to be on the 2016 Orioles. So I hope he has a healthy, monster season. Tough to be confident of that at this point.
— Camden Chat (@CamdenChat) November 13, 2015
With the reconstructive surgery now long past and in the rearview mirror, along with a full offseason to prepare for 2016, the Orioles and their fanbase can hope that he will revert to the guy who began the 2014 season (prior to the injury) with a .308 average in 26 games. It is, in the estimation of my eyes, the only time I have ever truly seen him locked in offensively.
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Beyond offensive concerns is that of pitch framing and the undeniable fact that Orioles pitchers have actually fared better with Caleb Joseph behind the plate. The sample size is not what you would call too small for a reasonable conclusion. If I were Wieters, I would want to double down on this aspect of my game as well.
Speaking of Joseph, along with Steve Clevenger, what does this mean for them? Certainly it means less playing time. However, the Orioles can keep both of them and use them in other ways, such as first base (Clevenger) and designated hitter. There are a lot of options and ways to have them both, thus having three catchers.
Next: Perspectives on the Matt Wieters situation
While remaining uncertain that this is a good moment for the Orioles in terms of budget allocations and cap space in the payroll for additional moves, I am pleased for Matt Wieters personally. He is a very fine person of stellar character, and that aspect of his presence on the Orioles is a great asset.
Now just go hit the ball like a big guy!