The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to “keep tabs” on Matt Wieters, but are more likely to make a lesser move regarding catching depth, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
The Diamondbacks signed veteran free-agent catcher Jeff Mathis earlier this month and claimed catcher Juan Graterol off waivers last week. “Anyone still left on the market makes sense in some circumstances,” general manager Mike Hazen tells Piecoro. “Matt’s a really good player and a good leader. We’ve kept up on everybody on the catching market.”
A four-time All-Star, Wieters slashed .243/.302/.409 with 17 home runs, 17 doubles and 66 RBIs last season.
The D-backs are looking to control payroll and seem unlikely to overpay for Wieters, but they could be willing to step in if the price drops as spring training approaches.
Piecoro also reports the Diamondbacks have asked the Red Sox about Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart, but that Boston is unlikely to deal either catcher.
-- Doug Mittler
