Should the Texas Rangers try to acquire catcher Blake Swihart from Boston?

Why the Texas Rangers need a new catcher

As part of the worst statistical defense in MLB, the Texas Rangers catchers have been far from special in 2018. Through combined efforts, Texas backstops rank 29th in baseball with a .120 caught stealing percentage. Specifically, only 3 of 25 base runners have been thrown out on stolen base attempts this season. Pitching certainly contributes to the poor statistic, but the onus is primarily on the catchers.

From an offensive standpoint, it doesn’t get much better. Robinson Chirinos is hitting .175 with a .246 OBP in 29 games played. He has also struck out 49 times in 103 at-bats. Carlos Perez is the team’s current backup catcher. He’s played in just six games with Texas, though, his numbers aren’t exactly raising any eyebrows either. Perez is hitting .143 with a .395 OPS.

Point being, the Texas Rangers are getting very little production from their catchers. That’s a problem. Catchers are customarily coveted more so for their defense, but it’s about time the Rangers get an offensive threat behind the plate. In fact, it’s been since Mike Napoli in 2011 that Texas has had a good offensive season from a catcher (not counting a few good months from Jonathan Lucroy in 2016).

Why Blake Swihart is a fit

Blake Swihart has always been praised for his hitting ability. A player doesn’t find himself in the top 25 of MLB’s top 100 prospect list without tremendous offensive potential. Swihart ranked 24th on the list in 2014.

He hast struggled in recent years. To say the least, Swihart did not see a batting average over .200 between three teams in 2017, including the Red Sox (6 games). Regardless, he is a switch hitter that hits for good contact and produces relative power. Turning 26 years old this past April, Blake Swihart is eyeing a stay in the major leagues. His agent obviously is as well.

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A struggling Texas Rangers team could provide him plenty of playing time. He’s a young player that fits in well with the rebuilding concept. Texas would have time to work with him to straighten things out at the plate, as well as improve behind the plate.

Who knows? Perhaps a change of scenery would do Blake Swihart a ton of good. Being sick of getting kicked around within the Red Sox organization is actually a valid excuse at this point in his career. A career that has not been allowed to get off the ground.

By no means are his numbers off the charts; however, it’s not like the Rangers would have to give up the kitchen sink for him.

What would the Rangers give up?

The 29-14 Boston Red Sox don’t have many weaknesses. They have depth everywhere, making trade proposals very difficult. Though, one void that stands out is within the bullpen. Boston’s relief weapons all throw right-handed. The two lefties they currently have in the pen are Brian Johnson and Bobby Poyner. Johnson has pitched poorly and Poyner has pitched well, but in a short sample.

What am I getting at? The Rangers have an experienced left-handed pitcher in their bullpen. Jake Diekman’s contract is up with Texas after this season. Therefore, a trade to Boston would result in five months of work (depending on if/when he was traded).

Blake Swihart is under team control through 2022. From a contractual standpoint, the Texas Rangers would better benefit. The contract discrepancy might even require an additional Ranger to be added to the deal.

With that said, the Red Sox have their backs against the wall. A decision will have to be made with Swihart in a matter of weeks. Again, he can’t be sent to the minors and there is no sense keeping three catchers on a 25-man roster. Swihart would be wasting a roster spot.

Plus, the Boston Red Sox are in the race. Their expectations are to win the World Series. For this reason, they will do whatever they can to strengthen their current bunch. Jake Diekman would give Boston a  left-handed weapon out of the pen—something the team absolutely needs.

Next: Rangers’ Prospect Radar: Bubba Thompson

The stories of the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox could not be any more contrasting. But a trade involving Swihart and Diekman would be on path for each team. Texas gets a young, under control player to fill a desperate need at catcher. Boston fills a void with a power lefty reliever.