Cincinnati Reds
After trading for Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Alex Wood, the Reds are ready to send a message that they are willing to compete in the crowded NL Central race. They have the stars to build around in Joey Votto, Scooter Gennett, and Eugenio Suarez, but they still seemingly have a few remaining holes. They could be looking at Grandal as an upgrade to boost them even further, as was reported. The Reds are looking to have a franchise record payroll, so they seem very willing to spend to outbid other teams.
Tucker Barnhart is their current starter, and although he is no liability, there is a reason the Reds have been linked to other catchers such as JT Realmuto. He was a below average defender last season according to Baseball Prospectus and has never had above average offensive production. Not only would Grandal be an upgrade to the lineup, but he could help a poor pitching staff. Adding Grandal and moving Barnhart to the bench could provide a lot of help for the Reds in what should be a very competitive division.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Considering the presence of plus-defender Austin Barnes and a couple top catching prospects, the Dodgers don’t have a huge need at catcher. Nonetheless, they have been heavily linked to trade candidates JT Realmuto and Francisco Cervelli, and reportedly have interest in Grandal, even if it’s only for a 1-year deal. Although Grandal is unlikely to sign a one-year deal, it is still noteworthy that the Dodgers have an interest in bringing him back.
The Dodgers recently made the blockbuster move with the Reds to clear payroll space so they could be comfortably below the luxury tax and be able to sign a big free agent. They have been heavily linked to Bryce Harper since, but if they miss out they could look to bring back the familiar face.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies aren’t one to be involved in many free agent rumors. They have one of the lower payrolls in the MLB and considering they risk losing Nolan Arenado in free agency next offseason, they likely won’t be looking to commit to many multi-year deals. Nonetheless, they were a playoff team the past 2 seasons and have the core to go for a 3rd, but a small hole remains behind the dish. Ultimately they are more likely to sign a cheaper catcher, but considering the possibility they sign a new TV deal in a couple years, they may be more willing to spend for the former division rival.
Chris Iannetta can currently man down the backstop position just fine, but at 35 years old and considering the step back he took this season, it may be too risky. Iannetta has been worth less than 1 fWAR in 3 of the past 4 seasons, so an upgrade is worth looking into. Grandal hasn’t dominated in his career while at Coors, he’s only hit with a .710 OPS, but that can change if he were to call the stadium his home.
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