Two weeks ago it was not all that difficult for us to connect the dots: Carlos Ruiz could be moved. With Russell Martin signing with a team that no one really expected (the Pirates, Cubs, and Dodgers could really use a top catcher still) and the supply limited (no free agent catchers worth pursuing while Miguel Montero leads trade candidates) Ruiz could be had. For the first time a published report considers that the Phillies could move Ruiz.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes:
Ruiz can still catch and hit at age 35, and the Phillies will shop him. Plenty of teams need catchers. Two problems: his age and his contract. He has two years remaining at $8.5 million per, with a $4.5 million option for 2017 where he can bought out for $500,000.
If the Phillies eat some money that they have been rumored to, the contract may not be the stumbling block.
Ruiz would be a really good fit on a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates or Chicago Cubs, who have young pitchers and could use some veteran leadership. The Dodgers could pair him with A.J. Ellis, who plays top defense but does not hit. Unlike other catchers, Ruiz did not catch his entire life, which would take some mileage off of his body.
Right now the Phillies do not even have a backup catcher set for 2015; the signing of Koyie Hill presumably is for minor league depth. Cameron Rupp's bat may still not be ready, though he might be able to catch in the major leagues today. Wil Nieves is a free agent.
