After a 100-loss campaign in 2013, the Miami Marlins sought to address their areas of need, catcher being one of them.
So they signed free agent and reigning World Series champion Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a three-year deal as the organization's backstop.
Saltalamacchia struggled in his first season with the Marlins, batting .220 with 20 doubles, 11 homers and 44 RBI in 114 games. Those ranked at or near the bottom amongst major-league catchers. Veteran Jeff Mathis served as backup after starting nearly half of the games in 2013.
Prospect J.T. Realmuto made his big-league debut in mid-June but will begin the season in the minors to receive further grooming. Realmuto, who was previously a shortstop, did not become a catcher until signing with the Marlins in 2010. Look for the organization's 2014 Minor League Player of the Year to be the backstop of the future if he continues his progression.
Rob Brantly, the 2013 Opening Day starter, didn't get called up from Triple-A New Orleans where he hit .255 with 15 doubles, two triples, four homers and 37 RBI. Kyle Skipworth, the former sixth overall pick, split time with Brantly in New Orleans.
JARROD SALTALAMACCHIA
What he did right: Saltalamacchia proved durable behind the plate, starting 107 games (114 total). He did land on the disabled list once, but because of a concussion he sustained from a bat hitting him in the mask. His catcher's ERA was 3.62. Twenty-three of his 44 RBI came in the seventh inning or later. Saltalamacchia batted .417 on the first pitch and .301 when ahead in the count.
Where he needs to improve: His first full year in the National League turned out to be a huge adjustment both at and behind the plate. Saltalamacchia committed the most errors (15) and threw out just 19 percent of baserunners (league average was 28%). The 29-year-old had a drastic home-away split, batting .273 at Marlins Park and .162 on the road. He hit .182 with runners in scoring position.
Contract status: Signed through 2016 (3 years, $21 million)
Likelihood of return: Saltalamacchia has two seasons remaining on his contract, so he will be the starter in 2015. But he will need to improve both offensively and defensively in order to stick around for the final year. His switch-hitting bat lengthens the lineup when he succeeds at the plate, especially between the fifth and seventh spots. When he and first baseman Garrett Jones couldn't get in a groove, it put too much pressure on slugger Giancarlo Stanton, center fielder Marcell Ozuna and third baseman Casey McGehee to drive in runs.
JEFF MATHIS
What he did right: As the backup catcher, Mathis provided manager Mike Redmond with a reliable reprieve for Saltalamacchia every Sunday or matinee game. He committed just one error for a .998 fielding percentage and posted a 33 percent caught stealing clip. His catcher's ERA was 3.99. Since it was his second season with the organization, he offered familiarity to the staff, especially with Saltalamacchia joining over the offseason. Off the field, Mathis is a good clubhouse guy. He bought the "Boss" cap that went to the player of the game and fostered morale and team unity.
Where he needs to improve: Hitting has never been the 31-year-old's strong suit. In 64 games this year, he batted .200 with seven doubles, two homers and 12 RBI. In 2013 as the starter once the Marlins sent down Brantly, Mathis hit .181 with seven doubles, a triple, five homers and 29 RBI. With runners in scoring position, he managed just a .200 average and 11 RBI in 2014. After 10 seasons in the majors, don't expect a drastic improvement on those numbers.
Contract status: Club option worth $1.5 million
Likelihood of return: Mathis is back after the club exercised his club option over the weekend.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
