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

The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry moves on Friday, and while many were probably expected, it now brings some questions to light.

The Reds outrighted Chuckie Robinson to Triple-A and Michael Papierski, Mark Kolozsvary, and Aramis Garcia were all claimed off waivers. With Austin Romine set to become a free agent in the offseason, Tyler Stephenson is effectively the only catcher on Cincinnati's 40-man roster.

The transactions themselves should not come as a shock, but the recent activity does put a focus-lens on the Reds' situation behind the plate. What three takeaways can be gleaned from these roster moves?

1. Tyler Stephenson will be the Reds starting catcher, not first baseman.

This seems a bit obvious, but there are those fans throughout Reds Country who want to see Tyler Stephenson abandon the tools of ignorance and become Cincinnati's starting first baseman. Stephenson saw extended time at first base during Joey Votto's month-long absence in 2021.

But the value that Stephenson provides as the team's starting catcher is just too great. While David Bell may very well give the young backstop some time as the team's designated hitter, there's little doubt that Stephenson's primary position will be catcher.

Stephenson brings an above-average bat and also threw out 27% of would-be runners in 2022. That's just not the type of production that can be duplicated by adding a run-of-mill free agent. The Reds also lack any serious candidates in the farm system to take over behind the plate at this time.

The sentiment behind moving Stephenson to first base is genuine, and it's not motivated by the desire to see Joey Votto tossed aside. It's more about the fact that Stephenson was roughed up behind the dish on several occasions last season. Stephenson made three separate trips to the IL, the last of which (broken collarbone) sidelined for over two months.

In order for Tyler Stephenson to take over at first base, two things have to happen. Joey Votto needs to retire and the Cincinnati Reds need to find a capable replacement for Stephenson behind the plate. Neither one should be expected next season, so fans should get used to seeing Stephenson hanging the signs in 2023.

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.