Less than three months after acquiring catcher Derek Norris, the Washington Nationals signed All-star catcher Matt Wieters to a two-year deal. The latest MLB trade rumors imply that the Nationals are going to move Norris before the start of the season.
The Nationals acquired Norris on Dec. 2, 2016 from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Pedro Avila. However, the team went after another catcher in free agency and they ended up signing Wieters to a two-year, $21 million deal.
According to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, the MLB trade rumors are true and the Nationals are going to trade Norris. She noted that Nationals manager Dusty Baker believes there are teams looking for a "front line catcher".
Norris had a very forgettable 2016 season with the Padres as he only posted a .186 batting average with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs in 122 games. Here are the five potential trade destinations for Norris, per MLB Trade Rumors.
Chicago White Sox
The Nationals and White Sox were partners earlier in the offseason in the Adam Eaton trade. MLB trade rumors have linked Washington to White Sox closer David Robertson. Norris could be shipped to Chicago along with a couple of prospects.
Colorado Rockies
Tony Walters and Tom Murphy are young catchers that will battle for the starting position in Colorado. Norris could bring leadership to the young Rockies team while also helping the team's really young pitching staff.
Los Angeles Angels
MLB trade rumors linked the Angels to Wieters earlier this offseason, which means the Halos are looking for a catcher. Since Norris is coming off a horrendous season, his value is not going to be high. It's perfect for the Angels because they have the worst farm system in baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers
Just like the Angels, MLB trade rumors have connected them to Wieters since they need a starting catcher after trading Jonathan Lucroy last season. Norris only has a salary of $4.2 million and the team can certainly use him this year.
Tampa Bay Rays
Another team that the MLB trade rumors linked to Wieters is the Rays. They already signed former Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos to a two-year deal but he's still recovering from an ACL tear. There is a big chance that Ramos could be moved to the designated hitter position and they trade for a cheap catcher like Norris.
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