Ranking the top 3 remaining offseason needs for the SF Giants

Ranking the top 3 remaining offseason needs for the SF Giants

3. Backup catcher

The Giants finally announced the Michael Conforto signing on Friday. In doing so, veteran backstop Austin Wynns was designated for assignment. Wynns filled the role of backup catcher nicely as he hit just enough and provided quality defense. In fact, he was the only plus defensive catcher on the Giants last season according to Baseball Prospectus' Catching Defensive Adjustment (CDA).

He has the profile of someone that could be claimed on the waiver wire, but the front office is likely hoping that he clears. As things currently stand, Joey Bart and Blake Sabol are the only catchers on the 40-man roster with any type of experience.

Sabol is a Rule 5 pick from the Pittsburgh Pirates, so he is trying to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. That said, he did not generally grade out as a good backstop in the minors, and is currently listed as an outfielder on the Giants' 40-man roster. Does that last detail matter? Probably not.

Backup catcher is one of those roles that teams can generally fill in spring training. That said, the free-agent market is thin on potential options with Gary Sánchez, Jorge Alfaro, and Roberto Pérez as some of the top remaining veterans. Sánchez is likely looking for a chance to start, whereas Alfaro and Pérez could fill that backup role.

On the trade market, the Giants could target someone like Victor Caratini of the Milwaukee Brewers or Jacob Stallings of the Miami Marlins. Both have a reputation as good defensive backstops, which is generally what teams look for with a backup catcher.

None of the names are obvious upgrades, but give the Giants a little extra security if Bart hits the injured list. Given that Wynns is on waivers, I do expect them to be pretty active in looking for a veteran backstop.