Catching Options for Minnesota Twins in 2014

With the news that Joe Mauer is moving to first base in 2014, the Twins now have an opening at catcher that will likely be filled from outside the organization. The move to first for Mauer is an obvious one that comes down to preservation. Mauer is under contract until 2018 and  thus needs to be protected.

He's owed $115 million over the next five seasons and Twins need to do all they can to keep the .323 career hitter in the lineup. After all, he's only eclipsed 140 games three times in ten seasons. His power and overall numbers are down from his 2009 MVP season, and moving to first may hurt his value compared to other first baseman, but his value can't go ignored when thinking about the long-term Twins.

His move to first leaves an opening at catcher. The Twins had the second worst team ERA (4.55) after the Houston Astros and also the leagues fewest strikeouts. That's probably a combination of bad pitching, poor mechanics, and a bit of luck, but some of that falls on the catcher and play calling.

Let's explore a few options that would make sense for the Twins as they look to rebound in 2014:

1. Josmil Pinto, Minnesota Twins: If the Twins don't bring in anyone Pinto becomes the favorite for the position. After a successful, albeit brief, stint in the majors in which he hit .342 in 76 at-bats, the 24-year old catcher moves up the organizational depth chart as a legitimate prospect. In 125 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .309 with 15 home runs and a .400 OBP. His limited time at Triple-A and with the Twins leads me to believe he will begin the year in Triple-A, but don't discount the Twins making an aggressive push like  they did with Oswaldo Arcia.

Keep an eye out for him in the Venezuelan Winter Leagues.

2. A.J. Pierzynski, Free Agent: Bringing back Pierzynski would be a huge morale boost to Twins fans who remember when he was dealt in a blockbuster move that netted the team Joe Nathan, Boof Bonser, and Francisco Liriano. It's easy to see why Pierzynski is a forgotten as the team acquired three solid pitchers, and he ultimately went on to the White Sox and won a World Series. Even at 37, he's one of the most durable catchers in the league who is apparently a good teammate and works with with his pitchers.

A reunion could be in the works to bring in a more veteran presence in the clubhouse.

3. Dioner Navarro, Free Agent: The 30-year old catcher had a remarkably good season with the Cubs, hitting .300 with 13 home runs in 89 games. It was not a matter of health as much as it was a matter of playing in a platoon. Navarro would be a great mentor for Pinto and is still young enough to play stopgap for a few seasons. He's looking for something longer than a one-year deal and is a good game manager. He would fit in nicely with the Twins as a switch-hitter.

4. Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Twins: Doumit is set to earn $3.5 million in 2014 and will likely spend most of his time DH-ing. However, he logged 43 games behind the plate and could play that role again platooning with Pinto. It's just an idea, one that may materialize if they miss out on other targets.

How active should the Twins be this offseason on the free-agent market?