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Should the Red Sox Take a Chance on Saltalamacchia?

By Evan Marinofsky

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After winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia left the team in pursuit of a much bigger contract, which he got with the Miami Marlins (3yr/$21M) in December of 2013.

As of a few hours ago, Saltalamacchia was designated for assignment due to his .069 Batting Average and because of rookie J.T. Realmuto‘s success.

Since Saltalamacchia has been released, and because of Realmuto’s success, it’s very likely that the Marlins will trade Salty due to the fact that he isn’t really needed. But, the Marlins only have 10 days to trade him. After that, he becomes free to any team.

This is where the Red Sox come in.

Right now, the Sox’s biggest need is starting pitching. With a league worst ERA, they don’t just need an ace: they need a reliable and consistent starting pitcher.

So where does acquiring Saltalamacchia come in?

Saltalamacchia spent about 3 and a half seasons with the team. In the years 2010 and 2011, Salty worked and learned under decorated Red Sox great Jason Varitek. When he got his chance to be a full-time starter in 2012, his average wasn’t great but for a catcher, his power numbers were with 22 home runs and a slugging percentage of .454.

Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former catcher Jason Varitek walks to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch with other members of the 2004 Boston Red Sox prior to game two of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, the year he won the World Series with the team, almost all of Saltalamacchia’s hitting statistics went up. His RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS all sky-rocketed.

Also in 2013, Salty was the everyday catcher for the Sox’ best team ERA (3.79) in 13 years. Saltalamacchia had a good amount of trust and respect from the starting staff as well, most of which he probably learned from playing under Varitek for 1 and a half years.

If the Sox were to snag Saltalamacchia, it would be a beginners step at fixing the starting staff. Though only a first step, it would still aid and accelerate progress with this lost group of pitchers.

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Even though $7 million is a hefty price to pay, it could be worth it.

The big question here is why would you pick up a guy who has 2 hits all season with a price tag of $7 million?

Because of the experience he has in Boston.

The only starting pitcher still left from the magical 2013 season is Clay Buchholz. Ironically, Buchholz had his best year of his career that year with Salty as his catcher.

Not only could Salty possibly bring out the best in Buchholz again, but he could also help the other 4 out with his experience behind the plate.

With a bat in his hand, Saltalamacchia has been unacceptable this year. But, the transition back to Boston could help him: with Fenway being a hitter’s ballpark, and with his past success here, he could raise his hitting statistics to near the level he was at just 2 years ago.

Apr 10, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) connects for a double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox current catching tandem of Ryan Hanigan and Sandy Leon have had much more success at the plate this year than Saltalamacchia has. But, their handling of the pitching staff hasn’t worked out to well this year. Neither have also ever been a starting catcher.

Saltalamacchia would be brought in strictly for calming down the staff and putting them back on the right track. Anything else that he would provide would be extra to what would be expected from him.

So, should the Sox take a chance on the struggling Saltalamacchia?

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