MLB Trade Rumors, By Position: Thin Group Of Catchers Led By John Buck; Tigers Could Have A Need

With pitchers out of the way, we turn our focus to the position players, beginning with catcher. This is one dry market, although there will, as always, be some phone calls. A trade is always possible, as no team is perfectly satisfied with its catching situation.

Josh Bard, 32, Switch

2010: ? (low)

Bard is a switch-hitting backstop with fairly good power, so he’s appealing as a backup and available for little more than cash or a PTBNL as the Mariners prepare to promote the young Adam Moore. Though his numbers are low, his swing is intact.

John Buck, 30, Right

2010: $2m

Buck hasn’t attracted a ton of attention, but it’s worth noting that he’s slugged .503 as a catcher since the beginning of 2009. Not known for his defense, his asset is his impressive raw power, which could be of good use to a team as either a starter or a reserve.

Chris Iannetta, 27, Right

2010: $1.75m
2011: $2.55m
2012: $3.55m
2013: $5m club option

The Rockies aren’t in a hurry to move Iannetta, but he’s known to have drawn some interest, as he’s an offensive backstop with power and knowledge of the strike zone. He might be a better candidate to be moved in the offseason than during the next week, or the next month.

Chris Snyder, 29, Right

2010: $4.75m
2011: $5.75m
2012: $6.75m club option

The Diamondbacks are probably more interested in shedding Snyder’s salary than any other team is in adding it, but he is a catcher who’s shown some discipline and pop, so he isn’t untradeable. Despite spending half his time in hitter-friendly Arizona, he’s actually hit better on the road than at home for his career, which answers one big question about his offense.