That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Free Agent options for the Philadelphia Phillies at catcher

By George Stockburger

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 4: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 4: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Catcher A.J. Ellis #34 congratulates pitcher Jeremy Hellickson #58 after the final out in the ninth inning for a complete game shutout against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-0. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Catcher A.J. Ellis #34 congratulates pitcher Jeremy Hellickson #58 after the final out in the ninth inning for a complete game shutout against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-0. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

AJ Ellis

I advocated for the return of veteran AJ Ellis last offseason and the year before after the Phillies picked him up in the Carlos Ruiz trade with Los Angeles in 2016. While never among the best catchers in the game, Ellis was a steady option at and behind the plate for the Dodgers, and a personal favorite of Clayton Kershaw.

Ellis played in 66 games for the Padres last year hitting .272 with nine extra-base hits. He certainly doesn’t bring the offense Ramos did last year, but he’s a strong voice in the ear of Alfaro.

While money is not object for the Phillies front office and ownership this offseason, Ellis would be a cheap alternative to others available.

Devin Mesoraco

The Punxatawney native started last season in Cincinnati but was traded to the Mets for Matt Harvey. In his eight major league seasons only one has stood out, that being his 2014 All-Star campaign when he hit 25 home runs.

Injuries have plagued Mesoraco’s career and he has never hit for a great average, owning a career slash-line of .232/.309/.406. One thing he can do is walk, highlighted by the on-base percentage being nearly 80 points higher than his batting average. He’s also been fairly reliable behind the plate, averaging just two errors a season.

Mesoraco is coming off a big contract that paid him for than $13 million last year, but given his injury history and lack of production last year he won’t be due for a big pay day.

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