San Francisco Giants: Top 5 free agent targets this offseason
By Allen Settle
3: Jason Castro
Jason Castro enjoyed a bounce-back season as the Minnesota Twins backup catcher last year. Just one year removed from a serious knee injury, the veteran showed no signs of rust.
The former All-Star (2013) was able to contribute 13 homers while providing admirably in place of starter Mitch Garver.
For what it’s worth, the Giants starting catcher Buster Posey is still a productive hitter (.257 BA over 405 PA) and defender (.998 fielding percentage and 32 percent catch stealing average).
However, the six-time All-Star and 2012 NL MVP is clearly showing signs of age. The 32-year-old has his lowest number of hits and RBI of any full season of his career.
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The addition of a player like Castro would allow Posey to transition from the primary backstop into a hybrid role where he rotates between catcher and first base.
Without the wear and tear of serving as the primary catcher, Posey may very well be able to extend his career and recapture his elite hitting numbers.
While the 32-year-old isn’t an ideal age, Castro proved that he is capable of handling a substantial workload. He is also one of the best available backstops (most of which are over 30) and should be available at a reasonable rate.