The 2022 MLB free-agent market is slim pickings for teams searching for help at the catcher position. Fortunately for the Boston Red Sox, they aren't one of those clubs.
The Red Sox recently exercised their club option on veteran backstop Christian Vazquez for next season. Kevin Plawecki is expected to serve as the team's backup catcher again in 2022.
More free-agent rankings: 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP | RP
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Among the teams that may be scouring the free-agent market for catchers are the New York Yankees. With the struggling Gary Sanchez scheduled to be a free agent after the 2022 season, there's a chance the team opts to cut ties with the 28-year-old.
So, who are the most appealing catchers on the market this year? Here's a look at the top five backstops available.
5. Stephen Vogt
Age: 37
Boston Red Sox
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2021 stats: .195/.283/.333, 7 HR, 25 RBI (78 games)
Vogt began the 2021 campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks before being dealt to the World Series champion Atlanta Braves in July. The nine-year veteran, who earned All-Star nods with the Oakland Athletics in 2015 and 2016, is two years removed from a .804 OPS season with the San Francisco Giants.
4. Wilson Ramos
Age: 34
2021 stats: .205/.248/.397, 8 HR, 20 RBI (44 games)
Health is the No. 1 concern with Ramos, who tore his ACL and sprained his MCL in August. He also struggled at the plate after signing with the Detroit Tigers last winter. Perhaps Ramos can return to 2019 form (.288, 14 HR, 73 RBI), but he'd undoubtedly be a risky signing as an aging catcher with knee issues.
3. Pedro Severino
Age: 28
2021 stats: .248/.308/.383, 11 HR, 46 RBI (113 games)
Severino, the Baltimore Orioles' full-time catcher in 2021, is one of the more intriguing backstops on the market due to his age. As a solid hitter with seven seasons of MLB experience, he should have no problem finding a new home as a platoon partner or backup catcher.
2. Manny Pina
Age: 34
2021 stats: .189/.293/.439, 13 HR, 33 RBI (75 games)
Pina proved to be a solid bat for the Milwaukee Brewers last season while severing as Omar Narvaez's backup. With decent power and a solid glove behind the plate, he could catch on as an everyday option for a team in need of help at the position.
UPDATE (Nov. 15): Pina has signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Braves, per FanSided's Robert Murray.
1. Yan Gomes
Age: 34
2021 stats: .252/.301/.421, 14 HR, 52 RBI (103 games)
Gomes is a solid catcher, but the fact he's No. 1 on this list should tell you everything you need to know about the catching market this winter. The 10-year veteran re-signed with the Washington Nationals last year and was traded to Oakland at the deadline. There, he hit .221 with five homers in 40 games. While he's certainly no J.T. Realmuto, Gomes should get plenty of attention from teams this offseason as he's unquestionably the top backstop in his class.