Looking at the Texas Rangers’ Catchers for 2021
The shortened 2020 season saw the Texas Rangers with four catchers (not at the same time) on their roster; the four being Robinson Chirinos, Jeff Mathis, Jose Trevino, and highly touted prospect Sam Huff.
Jeff Mathis and Robinson Chirinos
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Trevino and Mathis saw the most action last season. Sam Huff was a late call-up who still needs to benefit from some work in the minor leagues. Of course, the minors were shut down last season due to the pandemic so he only got some action in at the alternative camp.
Chirinos was traded to the Mets where he finished out his contract. Mathis’ deal with the Rangers ended last season as well. Both he and Chirinos are currently free agents.
So, what does 2021 hold in store?
Sam Huff and Jose Trevino
Sam Huff will get some more needed work in the minor leagues and could possibly be a September call-up. Jose Trevino is expected to get the start with newly acquired Drew Butera expected to get the job as his backup. Butera is here on a non-roster minor league deal with a spring training invite. For the love of everything that you hold dearly please do not look up Butera’s offensive numbers. It will only drive you crazy and want you to leave unwarranted negative comments without looking at the whole picture.
Yes, he has a negative career WAR of -.3.7 as an offensive player. What you need to focus on his pitch-framing ability and defense behind the plate which he can hopefully pass those tools onto Trevino and Huff.
However, if Sam Huff is lighting it up during spring training then we may never see Butera in a Texas Rangers uniform. Regardless I still see Trevino getting the bulk of the playing time this season. There is also the slim possibility of Texas bring back Chirinos or Mathis on one-year deals as a bridge for Huff for next season.
I honestly believe that 2022 will be the year of Sam Huff behind the plate with Trevino as his backup.
For now, though, it is up in the air and we have to wait until the start of the season to find out what unfolds.
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Categorized:Rangers