The Baltimore Wire
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2016 AL East Rankings by Position: Catcher

By Nate Wardle

Jun 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) is unable to tag out Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13 ) during the sixth inning in a game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) is unable to tag out Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13 ) during the sixth inning in a game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Baltimore Orioles – Matt Wieters, Caleb Joseph, Francisco Pena

Matt Wieters became only the second person in the history of Major League Baseball to sign a qualifying offer this offseason, following Colby Rasmus. Many Orioles fans thought Wieters was out the door. Instead, he will be back to prove he is healthy and can shoulder a full workload. If healthy, Wieters certainly has a chance to pass Martin on this list. He is always a solid offensive player, although not quite what Orioles fans had hoped for. He showed glimpses over the 100 games played in 2014 and 2015 of a player who could be a true force at the plate. Wieters has always been good behind the plate, although shoulder issues hampered him in 2015. His 31 percent caught stealing rate was lower than his average, and his five errors in only 55 games was very uncharacteristic. However, in a contract year, I expect a good season from Wieters if he stays healthy.

If he does not stay healthy, the Orioles may have the best backup catcher in all of baseball. Caleb Joseph could start on several teams and was likely to be the Orioles’ starter until Wieters signed. Caleb caught 93 games for the Birds in 2015 and had a very respectable caught stealing rate of 33 percent. This coming off a 2014 where he had the best caught stealing rate in the American League. Another guy who won’t wow you with his offensive stats, if Joseph plays 50 games he will probably come close to 8-10 home runs for the Orioles.

The 26-year-old Pena was acquired by the Orioles from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations. I can’t see him making the 25-man roster behind these established players, but would likely be the backup if an injury occurs. Pena has only 7 at-bats in 9 games in the major leagues. The Orioles do have several good catching prospects in Chance Sisco and Jonah Heim, but neither is ready for the major leagues at this point.

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