Phillies Spring Training Position Preview: Catchers
External Options: Ryan Hanigan
It became very obvious that the Phillies organization was dead set on finding themselves a veteran catcher this offseason when the added 36 years young Ryan Hanigan. The experienced catcher has played spent time with three teams in his nine MLB seasons.
Hanigan spent seven seasons in Cincinnati before being traded to the Rays near the end of 2013. Tampa Bay immediately signed him to a three year extension worth nearly $11 million. Then, things got really confusing for Hanigan. Almost a year to the day later, the catcher was dealt twice in the same day, eventually landing with the Red Sox.
More from Phillies News
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
Hanigan was a staple in Cincy mainly for his pitch handling. He caught 70 or more games in six of his nine seasons. In his nine seasons (647 games played), he has been below average offensively (.250/.345/.334 with 28 homers and 202 RBI). The good news for Hanigan was that he was on the roster to mainly handle pitchers. His ability to do so has kept him around for nearly a decade. That ability is the reason the Phillies brought him in on a minor league deal.
He will be competing with Bryan Holaday for a backup spot on either the Triple-A or big league roster.
Honestly, the upper hand has to go to Hanigan. While both catchers have struggled throughout their careers offensively, Hanigan has the upper-hand defensively and in the all important realm of pitch calling. In 2009, he led the league in fielding percentage (.998) and threw out 43% of base stealing efforts. Less than five years ago, Hanigan called both of Homer Bailey’s no-hitters.
Next: Aaron Nola Should Primarily Use His Curve
While there is a very slim difference between Hanigan and Holaday, the defensive difference is enough for Hanigan to have a slight advantage as the Phils head into camp next week.