Brett

Nicholas

Nicholas at one point looked like he might have a long career as an offensive-minded catcher, but he never really got an opportunity (and his below-average defense didn’t help). The 30-year-old played in parts of two major league seasons, hitting .252/.300/.456 with four homers over 110 plate appearances.

Nicholas was released by the Rockies at the end of spring training, after signing a non-guaranteed minor league deal with the team last November. The 30-year-old catcher saw only 65 plate appearances at the major league level in 2018 with the Rangers and batted just .238/.262/.397.

Nicholas was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, but it sounds like there was no opt-out in this deal. He’s hit well in the minors, and it’s likely he thinks he can get an opportunity to be on an MLB roster rather than reporting to Triple-A Albuquerque. Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters will be the backstops for the Rockies to open the year.

Nicholas spent all of this season at Triple-A in the Padres organization, batting .291/.353/.485 with 16 home runs and 83 RBI. He could be fantasy relevant in Colorado if he gets an opportunity, but it’s likely he’ll begin the season as depth in the minors.

Nicholas fared well with the bat in his first go-round in the majors, batting .257/.333/.543 with two homers over 10 games. He’ll operate as the third catcher in September.

Nicholas is going to need around a month of rest and rehab before he can resume baseball activities. It’s a minor blow to the Rangers’ organizational depth chart at catcher, but Nicholas was not in line for an Opening Day roster spot.

Nicholas had surgery last month. He’ll be sidelined until at least May.

Nicholas had surgery on his left meniscus last month. He’ll remain in Round Rock after completing his rehab assignment.

Nicholas is recovered from knee surgery but isn’t needed at the major league level with Jonathan Lucroy and Robinson Chirinos around. There will have to be an injury for him to get a shot.

He also knocked in four runs, if you’re into that sort of things. Nicholas has been excellent since coming off the disabled list, and is now hitting .367 for the Express. There’s no room at the Inn as far as catchers go, but he has the offensive ability to be a starting backstop. This could be a trade candidate if the Rangers want to get back in the AL West race.