Now that the leaves are beginning to fall and temperatures are dropping like new Kendrick Lamar tracks, the focus for Washington is rebuilding their roster to compete in 2019.  I stated in Wednesday’s column that the three biggest roster weaknesses Washington must address this winter are finding a #3 starting pitcher, a starting catcher and late-inning bullpen help.

Previously we attempted to find a starting pitcher to replace Gio Gonzalez; now today, I identify two free agents and three trade targets who should appeal to Washington in their attempt to find their next starting catcher.

Free Agents

Yasmani Grandal               Catcher                Los Angeles Dodgers

Grandal had another strong season in 2018 for Los Angeles, hitting .241/.349/.466 with 24 home runs.  For his 7-year major league career, Grandal is a .240/.341/.441 hitter and has the reputation as a quality defender and pitch framer behind the plate.  The almost 30-year-old has struggled both offensively and defensively this postseason, potentially suppressing his salary demands this offseason.  However, a switch-hitting catcher who has slugged 20+ home runs three consecutive seasons will be in high demand and should be a high priority for Washington this winter.

Wilson Ramos     Catcher                Philadelphia Phillies

Remember him?  Ramos suffered a catastrophic knee injury late in 2016 and needed most of 2017 to rehabilitate this injury.  He returned to full health this season and posted a tremendous first half, hitting .297/.346/.488 with 14 home runs.  Unfortunately the injury-prone Ramos again hit the disabled list midseason and only played 33 games in the second half. The Nationals are extremely familiar with the 31-year-old Ramos and Ramos knows the pitching staff and organization well, so a potential reunion this winter is only natural.

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Francisco Cervelli              Catcher                Pittsburgh Pirates

The almost 33-year-old Cervelli produced another strong season in 2018, posting a .259/.378/.431 batting line and 12 home runs.  But his $11.5 million salary for 2019, his final year under contract, combined with the emergence of Elias Diaz last season, could have the small market Pirates seeking to trade Cervelli this winter to redistribute his salary to other areas of need.  Cervelli would be a fantastic option if made available this winter.

Russell Martin    Catcher                Toronto Blue Jays

Like many of his teammates, Martin struggled through a difficult 2018, batting only .194/.338/.325 with 10 home runs, along with his typical solid work behind the plate.  The almost 36-year-old is still an above-average defensive catcher, with the ability to take a walk and hit the occasional home run.  Martin is under contract for one final season at $20 million, and with young catchers Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire awaiting an opportunity, the rebuilding Blue Jays should seek to move Martin this winter.  If Toronto is willing to pay a large part of his contract, he could be an option for Washington.

J.T. Realmuto     Catcher                Miami Marlins

Realmuto has been a much discussed trade target for every catching-needy team the past 18 months, as he is one of the best catchers in baseball playing for the languishing Marlins.  The 27-year-old just completed his best season in the majors, batting .277/.344/.484 with 21 home runs and 54 extra base hits.  In addition, he has a reputation as a quality defender and pitch framer.  With Realmuto under contract for only two more seasons, the Marlins should seek either a contract extension or to trade him this offseason.  Realmuto would be costly in terms of prospects, but represents perhaps the biggest single upgrade Washington could make to their team this winter.