Yasmani Grandal is the best free-agent catcher on the market this offseason. Would he look good in Rockies purple? Sure.

But Grandal will likely land a four-year deal worth $65 million to $70 million, and the Rockies aren’t playing in his ballpark. The Rockies, however, are seeking a veteran catcher. It’s one of their highest priorities this offseason.

Major League Baseball’s general managers meetings began Monday in Scottsdale, Ariz. The meetings typically set the groundwork for wheeling and dealing that comes later. Exactly whom Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich will pursue is unknown.

So what do we know?

First of all, the Rockies have publicly stated that they don’t plan to spend a lot of money on free agents.

Second, the Rockies are seeking a veteran to pair with Tony Wolters, who made 102 starts behind the plate in 2019, the most by a Rockies catcher since Wilin Rosario made 103 starts in 2013. Manager Bud Black believes that a solid defender and game-caller is essential to Colorado’s success. He also believes that Wolters has developed into that kind of catcher.

Colorado likes the potential of Dom Nunez, who hit .244 with 17 home runs in 61 games for Triple-A Albuquerque. But in 16 games (39 at-bats) with the Rockies after debuting August 13, he hit only .179 with a .233 on-base percentage. Plus, Nunez is 24 and the Rockies need a catcher with more experience who can help steer their struggling pitchers back on track.

Here are three possible free-agent candidates:

Travis d’Arnaud: His 2019 season was a roller coaster that ended on a high note. He was designated for assignment by the Mets, picked up by the Dodgers, and then traded to the Rays for $100,000. He went on to hit 16 homers and drive in 67 runs in his final 83 games. He hit for a .360 average with runners in scoring position and two outs and worked well with the Rays’ pitchers.

He’s often been injured and had Tommy John surgery in 2018, but if the Rockies could land him for two years and around $10 million, he could be the choice.

Jason Castro: If he could be had for two years and $10 million, Castro, 32, would be a good fit. Castro is known primarily for defense, but he did hit 13 home runs in 237 at-bats for the Twins. He does, however, strike out a lot (27.9% for his career) and has a career on-base percentage of just .313. He missed almost all of 2018 due to a torn meniscus in his right knee and ended up backing up Mitch Garver this past season.

Robinson Chirinos: The Astros will likely look to bring Chirinos back after a career year in 2019. If he came to Colorado he could supplant Wolters as the No. 1 catcher. That said, playing at Coors Field means plenty of time for both catchers. Chirinos, 35, slashed .238/.347/.443 for Houston this year with 17 home runs. He’s not known as a great defensive catcher, but he became ace Justin Verlander’s preferred catcher in 2019, and that’s saying something. He’s projected to make $10 million to $12 million over two years.

Free-agent catchers

Following are the available free-agent catchers, ranked by their Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 2019. The list includes the player’s 2020 seasonal age: Yasmani Grandal (31, 5.2 WAR); Robinson Chirinos (36, 2.3); Jason Castro (33, 1.6); Travis d’Arnaud (31, 1.6); Alex Avila (33, 1.3); Russell Martin (37, 1.2); Austin Romine (31, 0.9); Stephen Vogt (35, 0.9); Martín Maldonado (33, 0.8); Yan Gomes (32, 0.8); Francisco Cervelli (34, 0.1); René Rivera (36, 0.0); Nick Hundley (36, -0.3); Matt Wieters (34, -0.3); Bryan Holaday (32, -0.3); Drew Butera (36, -0.5); Jonathan Lucroy (34, -0.5); Chris Iannetta (37, -0.5) and Welington Castillo (33, -1.0)

