Red Sox Sign Free Agent Catcher Kevin Plawecki

After shedding Sandy Leon in a roster crunch, the Boston Red Sox have found their next backup catcher via free agency.

It was reported on Thursday that the Red Sox have agreed to a deal with former Cleveland Indian Kevin Plawecki to become their next backup catcher.

Sources: #RedSox in agreement with free-agent catcher Kevin Plawecki.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 2, 2020

Boston was always going to be set at the position this season with Christian Vazquez behind the plate, but since the departure of Sandy Leon to the Indians, the Sox have been in need of a secondary option. Plawecki offers a comparable bat to Leon, but with three years of control.

So they essentially swap Leon for Plawecki with the Indians. Difference is that Plawecki has 3 years of control, is an okay hitter as opposed to an abysmal hitter, and projects to make about 1.3M less in arb (per @mlbtraderumors). https://t.co/AHG4tLPonQ
— Chris Hatfield (@SPChrisHatfield) January 2, 2020

Though the newest Bostonian hits .218 career with a .304 OBP, where Plawecki makes his money is behind the plate. He is a solid defensive catcher, and features a strong throwing arm, which has caught 50 runners stealing in his limited appearances over his career.

With only 11 errors in his five seasons in the majors as well, this is a signing with a low ceiling but a high floor. The Red Sox know exactly what they're going to get out of Plawecki.