Chicago White Sox
Despite already making a move to sign James McCann, and having Welington Castillo coming back from a suspension, the White Sox should still be looking for an upgrade. It’s been clear that the White Sox are ready to spend for big names, as they’ve been linked to both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Although they likely won’t be competing for the title by next season, a younger free agent like Grandal could stick around until their farm system turns to major league talent. Although the White Sox have not been shown to value catcher framing much compared to other teams, they have still been linked to Grandal.
Castillo is not bad, but he is getting older and anything can happen after a suspension. He also slowed down a significant amount last season, as his sprint speed dropped by 1.2 mph, pointing to a possible decline coming. McCann was non-tendered earlier in the offseason, so he is a seemingly expendable piece. Grandal alone will not take the White Sox out of the Machado or Harper sweepstakes due to price and he will help greatly for the next few seasons behind the plate.
Los Angeles Angels
It’s been well documented that Mike Trout hasn’t had much help in Los Angeles, and with Trout only having 2 years left on control, the Angels should be doing whatever they can to win now. They have a unique opportunity with top-level talent in Trout, Andrelton Simmons, Shohei Ohtani (although he will not pitch in 2019), and even Justin Upton and Zack Cozart (should he bounce back). Adding another possible All-Star to the mix could push the Angels into contention. After Wilson Ramos chose to go elsewhere, the Angels have been linked to the switch-hitter.
The Angels have a huge need behind the plate following Martin Maldonado’s departure, as the unproven Kevan Smith is currently the projected starter. Considering they also need help with pitching and are very right-handed heavy in the lineup, someone who mashes right-handed pitchers and helps pitching staffs well should fit perfectly. The main question regarding Grandal to the Angels is whether or not they are willing to add even more to their payroll after signing Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics still have a huge need behind the plate. Chris Hermann signed for a very cheap deal, but he won’t fill the hole. Josh Phegley is likely not a player you want starting on Opening Day if the Athletics are serious about making the playoffs once again. Like the Angels, they also don’t seem to have any starting pitching, meaning a catcher who can help the staff out like Grandal does can help in multiple areas.
Also, like the Angels, it’s not entirely clear if the Athletics are willing to spend much at all to fill this hole. They are already known for being on the cheap side of things and rarely spend big. It was reported that they only offered their past season’s catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, a 1 year and $4 million deal, which may show what their price range really is. If Grandal signed with Oakland, they would get a big boost for the next couple seasons, but it may be more realistic for them to go after a smaller target.
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