Who could be on the chopping block for the Red Sox to trade?
Christian Vazquez
Another log jam for Alex Cora and the Red Sox comes at catcher. We technically have three guys that can catch on any given night in Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon, and Blake Swihart. There is absolutely no need for three catchers. And before you start yelling at your computer monitor, Swihart counts as a catcher. He played more games (28) at catcher than any other position this season.
But the beauty of Swihart is that he contributed to seven different positions in the last season. SEVEN. His versatility is something that was so important to the Red Sox in 2018 that Blake’s spot on the team is safe. Sandy Leon is the rock behind the plate. He feels like the constant when things may not be.
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He isn’t producing at the plate like most would want him to but that’s not why he gets paid. Much like Jason Varitek in past years, what he does with the pitching staff is what’s most important and anything he can add at the plate is a bonus.
This brings us back to Vazquez. He does trail Leon in the major offensive categories and it feels like he’s a touch behind Sandy defensively as well. This is why I’d be ok if Boston wanted to try and shop him around for some pieces that could be helpful. Christian could be the main trade piece or a part of a package much like Lin.