For the Blue Jays, an upgrade at catcher should be on trade priority list: 3 targets

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With the trade deadline nearly here, speculation is going to ramp up even more for the Blue Jays. Despite the talent already on the roster, they need more to strengthen what has been underachieving ballclub so far in 2023.

The need for another starting pitcher and bat have been at the top of the list of discussions in recent weeks. However, another position which could use a boost is catcher.

The Blue Jays entered this season with what was regarded as one of the best catcher tandems in the Majors. And this was even after trading top prospect Gabriel Moreno to the Diamondbacks.

Kirk versus Jansen

However, projections have not worked out as planned with the duo of Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen. Not that they don't have the talent; they just haven't performed up to expectations.

Kirk in particular has been a disappointment, specifically on offense. He excelled last year with a .284 batting average, which resulted in 14 homers, 63 RBI and a .786 OPS.

The 24-year-old earned his first All-Star invitation and won the the AL Silver Slugger of the Year at the catcher position. Unfortunately for him, he's suffered a fall from grace this season.

So far in 2023, Kirk has just four home runs and 25 RBI, while seeing his OPS drop to .662. Yes the ability is still there, but he's just not producing enough.

In this respect, Jansen has been the better hitter. By comparison, he has 13 home runs, 45 RBI and a .773 OPS. (For his home run and RBI totals, he is on course to set personal single-season highs in both categories.)

Why there is no clear first choice

However, there are a couple of reasons the 2013 draft pick has not taken over as the Blue Jays' full-time catcher. The first relates to his ongoing durability issues since making his Major League debut in 2018.

Jansen has contended with a variety of issues during this time, including a hamstring strain, an oblique injury and a finger fracture. This season has seen him suffer a groin strain, and he is currently day-to-day with a left forearm contusion.

The other factor compromising the 28-year-old, is his play behind the plate. Simply put, Kirk has been the better defender so far in 2023.

The Mexico native has seen a welcome improvement from last year and developed into a fine catcher. Blue Jays pitchers have a lower overall ERA with him compared to Jansen, he is better at framing pitches compared to his teammate (+3 to +1) and is second among all Major League catchers with 10 Defensive Runs Saved.

With all this taken into consideration, it makes sense why the Blue Jays should be on the lookout for some quality catcher depth. Of course, this leads to the question of who they should target?

The Blue Jays' main target

The main catcher who comes to mind is Elias Díaz, who is enjoying arguably the best offensive campaign of his nine-year Major League career. He is currently on course to easily set single-season bests for hits and RBI, as well as walks.

Díaz is renowned for his excellent play behind the plate, calls a good game and offers invaluable veteran leadership. This year he was named an All-Star for the first time and was subsequently voted the game's Most Valuable Player.

In terms of his contract, the 32-year-old is in the second of a three-year deal worth $14.5 million US. He is definitely worth consideration, especially with the Rockies at the bottom of the NL standings.

However, you imagine interest in Díaz will be high, resulting in fierce competition for his services. As such, the Blue Jays will understandably have to consider other players.

Not a bad second option

Another possibility is Tigers catcher Jake Rogers, who is excellent behind the plate. He has all the physical attributes you want, is ninth among all catchers with a 49.8 percent strike-rate and is tied-seventh at +5 for framing pitches.

There is some concern regarding Rogers' bat, highlighted by a .216 batting average so far in 2023. He does have power when he makes contact however, and has already set single-season bests for homers and RBI.

Certainly, there is potential there and room for improvement by the 28-year-old. In relation to this -- for what it's worth -- he has hit .308/.379/.462 with an .841 OPS in the last month (dating back to June 26).

It should be noted Rogers is currently on a pre-arbitration contract worth $726,000. He has three years of arbitration eligibility, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

One final consideration

The last suggestion for the Blue Jays might be considered a reach for any number of reasons. Regardless, we believe Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is worth a look.

Similar to Rogers -- and indeed arguably more so -- Raleigh is a player who doesn't make enough contact, but is extremely effective when he does hit the baseball. Last season saw him lead all catchers with 27 home runs and he has the added advantage of being a switch hitter.

Admittedly the 26-year-old hasn't been quite as productive this year, but if nothing else is on course for single-season bests in batting average and OBP. He would also be in a position to thrive playing in the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre, as opposed to the cavernous-like T-Mobile Park.

Nicknamed the 'Big Dumper', Raleigh is a burly and tough athlete with power and excellent hands. He's decent enough as a catcher, highlighted by being tied-ninth in the Majors at +4 for framing pitches.

The 2018 third round draft pick also has the intangible of strong leadership skills; he's extremely popular in the Mariners clubhouse. He is currently on a pre-arbitration deal worth $758,300 and becomes arbitration eligible in 2025.

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