Mesoraco and Reds officials believe he can come back 100 percent after his rehabilitation. He is slated to resume catching drills later this month, but his readiness for the upcoming season remains unclear. Even if he passes every test with flying colors, he likely won't get a 130-game workload and will split time with Barnhart, who filled in very well in 2016.
Having a third catcher would give manager Bryan Price flexibility to use one of his catchers as a pinch-hitter without being strapped defensively, and the addition of an unselfish veteran willing to catch once a week -- like David Ross with the Cubs the past two years -- could also help the other catchers and pitching staff improve.