The answer to the Washington Nationals catcher problem is available on the free agent market today. Alex Avila, who spent the second half of 2017 with Dave Martinez and the Chicago Cubs, can be Washington’s if the price is right.
Avila, who played eight years with the Detroit Tigers, is a durable defensive catcher. Although his days of catching every day are behind, he provides a 60-80 game option which would take the load off Matt Wieters. Fatigue played a huge factor in Wieters’ offensive plunge.
With Pedro Severino and Raudy Read not major-league ready, the Nats have a huge hole behind the plate.