Dodgers: Catcher Upgrades the Team Should Target

Remember earlier when I said Grandal had the third most home runs by a catcher over the last three years? Well, this guy is number one. Salvador Perez could easily be the answer to the Dodgers’ prayers if they are willing to pay the price.

The Royals are in rebuild mode. After being one of the best teams in baseball for a couple years, things have come crashing down in Kansas City and it is time now more than ever to trade what is left and restart the clock. Perez should be one of the first to go along with Whit Merrifield.

In his eight-year career, the 28-year old Venezuelan backstop has been an All-Star in each of the last six winning the Gold Glove in five of those six seasons. His defense behind the plate is excellent, allowing just seven passed balls over the last two seasons combined and 48% caught stealing percentage.

Since we have to be fair and point out a negative it would be Perez’s health. You never like seeing the number of games caught go down for a catcher. In 2018 he caught just 96 games. Although he did see time on the shelf, 96 games are not good for a starting catcher.

The real value in Perez is his playoff experience and bat. Perez is a World Champion and has not hit less than 20 home runs since 2014. Perez would also cost a hefty load in prospects except with him, unlike Realmuto, he also comes with a pretty massive salary hit. Over the next three years, Perez is owed $36 million. Perhaps the price in prospects could get driven down by the actual price tag