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AL East Rankings: Does Wieters departure hurt the Baltimore Orioles?

By Nate Wardle

Sep 23, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) is tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Wellington Castillo (7) in the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) is tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Wellington Castillo (7) in the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos (40) poses for a photo during photo day at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos (40) poses for a photo during photo day at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tampa Bay Rays

Rays’ Catchers: Wilson Ramos, Luke Maile, Curt Casali, Michael McKenry

If Wilson Ramos were healthy for the start of the year, the Rays would not be last. But, he isn’t, and isn’t expected to be ready to play until May, and likely won’t be able to catch consistently for awhile after that.

Ramos was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2016, hitting 22 HRs, 25 doubles, 80 RBIs, 58 runs and hitting .307/.354/.496. This was obviously a career year, but Ramos is a .269/.313/.430 hitter. He has only been a full-time starter in three of his eight years in the majors.

Ramos has also rated positively defensively, with a 0.6 dWAR in 2016 and never having a negative WAR defensively. Ramos has stepped up as a defensive catcher the last two years, rating positively in range. He did lead the National League in passed balls, however, and allowed 37 percent of stolen bases attempted.

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Maile was called up midway through the 2016 season and hit .227/.252/.361 with three HRs, seven 2Bs, 15 RBIs and 10 runs in 42 games and 126 plate appearances. Maile has also rated positively defensively, despite limited opportunities, having played less than 60 games in the majors.

Casali is the definition of a defensive catcher, owning a career .195 batting average in over 450 plate appearances. Casali hit .186/.273/.336 in 2016 with eight HRs, 25 RBIs, 10 2Bs and 23 runs in 84 games for the Rays. As expected, he does rate positively defensively, but in the American League East, that won’t be enough.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rays pull a deal for one of the Nationals’ surpluses of catchers after signing Matt Wieters, or pick up someone else off waivers.

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