3 takeaways from the transactions that leaves Tyler Stephenson as the Reds only catcher

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) smiles toward the home plate umpire.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) smiles toward the home plate umpire. | Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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2. The Reds need to add a veteran catcher during the offseason.

Austin Romine is technically still part of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. But once the World Series is over in the next few weeks, the veteran catcher will become a free agent and Tyler Stephenson will be the only catcher on the team's roster once the offseason officially begins.

The Reds could always decide to negotiate a contract extension with Romine before free agency begins, but there are other options and the 33-year-old may have more suitors than just the Reds.

There are also several other veteran catchers who'll be made available in free agency in the coming weeks. This includes former Reds backstops Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali. Barnhart was traded to the Detroit Tigers shortly after the 2021 season ended and Casali was non-tendered after the 2020 season.

The trio of Romine, Barnhart, and Casali are no necessarily starting caliber catchers, but all three should be considered capable backups for Stephenson in 2023. Romine was lauded for his work with the rookie pitchers, and Barnhart and Casali have always been well-regarded in that area as well.

There are other catchers like Mike Zunino and Willson Contreras who will be available during free agency, but both of those players will be outside the Cincinnati Reds price range. Kevin Plawecki could be a name to keep an eye on as well. No matter who it is, the Reds need to sign a veteran catcher during free agency.

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