Phillies rumors: 3 backup catchers to trade for at the deadline

A catchers role may open up for the Phillies this summer

Phillies fans and executives have to be extremely pleased with what they’ve seen from 24-year-old catcher Jorge Alfaro both at and behind the plate. His cannon of an arm is catching 34% of runners, well-above the league average of 28% this season. He does lead the league with four passed balls and his .238 batting average can improve, but the raw tools are there for Alfaro to be the next Carlos Ruiz for a championship team.

Behind Alfaro sits 26-year-old Andrew Knapp, a former second-round pick by the club out of the University of California in 2013. With only one season of service time, the Phillies hold Knapp’s rights until he’s eligible for free agency in 2023.

Showing life at the plate last season with a .257 average and 12 extra-base hits in 56 games Knapp pushed veteran Cameron Rupp off the 40-man roster coming out of spring training.

This year Knapp’s production has slumped despite starting the year in a platoon with Alfaro, hitting just .154 in 24 games. He’s still valuable as a switch-hitter and he’s a tremendous clubhouse guy who brings energy to the bench, but Knapp’s not a reliable backup who, at this point, can grow with the club.

That being said, the Phillies could certainly keep Knapp in the minors with three minor league options remaining on his contract. If they stash Knapp in Lehigh Valley to get everyday work, they’d need to add another catcher to the major league roster through a trade.

Here are three catchers the Phillies could look at in a trade to mentor Alfaro and provide offense at the plate.

Phillies fans and most of the players are familiar with the 37-year-old A.J. Ellis after he came over in the Carlos Ruiz deal last year along with two minor league players two year ago.

Despite not being thrilled with the trade and leaving a team he’s played 544 games with, Ellis filled the role of a veteran voice behind the plate with Knapp and Alfaro.

After Philadelphia opted not to re-sign Ellis he’s played with Miami and San Diego in a limited role, playing only 19 games with the Padres this year. He’s hit well in those 19 games with a .311 batting average and five extra-base hits.

Ellis not only brings familiarity with the franchise, players, executives, and fans, he’s a capable player on the field despite his age. A deal for him won’t break the bank from a player perspective either.

Hundley is another veteran catcher on the market who’s bat could come up in big spots whenever he gets a chance to play. At 34-years-old he’s not as worn as Ellis but he’s caught in the postseason and for aces over the years such as Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Jake Peavy in his prime, and even Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman.

Phillies reliever Tommy Hunter has also had experience with Hundley from their time in Baltimore in 2014.

Playing 30 games this season Hundley has cracked five home runs with a modest .244 batting average, but the 23 strikeouts to four walks likely won’t satisfy the Philadelphia coaching staff or front office.

Keep an eye on Hundley if the Giants continue to slip down the stretch this summer.