WASH: Kurt Suzuki, drawing interest from the Los Angeles Angels
Former Washington Nationals catcher, Kurt Suzuki, is drawing some interest on the free agent market from the Los Angeles Angels.
As the Washington Nationals remain quiet on the free agent market, the same can’t be said about some of their former players. Outfielders Michael A. Taylor and Adam Eaton have already found new homes, and catcher Kurt Suzuki is now drawing interest as well.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently wrote about the Los Angeles Angels need to address their pitching rotation as well as find a veteran backstop.
"The Angels also need to address their bullpen and other positions, and catcher Kurt Suzuki is a free agent of interest after the Mets’ signing of McCann, sources say."
While there has always been a chance for Suzuki to return to the Nationals, there has been nothing out of Nationals camp to confirm this. At 37 years of age, and 14 years in the majors under his belt, Suzuki’s days as a full-time catcher are behind him. The Nationals are going to ride the Yan Gomes train and look for a younger option to back him up.
As for the Angels, they have two catchers on their 40-man roster in Max Stassi and Anthony Bemboom. Stassi hit .278 with an OPS of .886 this past year and seems to be the starter heading into the 2021 season.
The Angels were linked to James McCann before he signed his 4 YR/$40M with the New York Mets. Failing to offer a fourth year is what knocked the Angels out of the running.
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With J.T. Realmuto being the only top-tier catcher on the market, and too expensive for the Angels, Suzuki seems like a good fit for a one year contract. Contract wise, the Angels are top heavy. Four players will make $118M this year, with Albert Pujols set to come off the books at the conclusion of the year. Suzuki may just be the guy to get the team through the year until the Angles free up more money to go after a catcher next year.