Chris

Herrmann

Cavalli, a consensus top-50 prospect in the game, appeared to have a shot at making the Nationals’ Opening Day roster earlier this spring, but struggled in his final few Grapefruit League appearances. The 23-year-old righty, who was a first-round selection back in 2020, could make his big-league debut later this year.

Herrmann last appeared in the majors with the Athletics back in 2019. The 34-year-old veteran backstop spent the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Worcester in the Red Sox’ organization, hitting .222/.328/.431 with seven round-trippers in 181 plate appearances. He’ll provide the Nationals with some emergency catching depth this upcoming season.

Herrmann was with the Giants in 2020 but never got the call from their alternate training site. The eight-year veteran is a career .205/.282/.344 hitter and will serve as organizational depth at catcher for Boston.

The 32-year-old opted out of his minor league deal with the Rays last week. Given the Giants’ current situation behind the dish, it would be surprising if Herrmann didn’t work his way into the mix within the next week or so. Fantasy owners should temper expectations though, as Herrmann is a career .205/.282/.344 hitter.

Herrmann had an opt-out and requested the move. The veteran had been competing with Michael Perez and Kevan Smith for the backup catcher gig in Tampa Bay. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign with the Royals in short order.

Herrmann is hopeful of staying with the Rays and the expanded rosters helps his case. The 32-year-old is a .205/.282/.344 hitter over parts of eight major league seasons, but he has extensive experience at catcher and in the outfield. It sounds like a good fit for the Rays’ roster.

Perez was competing with Chris Herrmann and Kevan Smith for the job. He’s better defensively than the both of them and also offers a lefty balance to starter Mike Zunino, who hits right-handed. The 27-year-old Perez hit .217/.345/.326 in 55 plate appearances with the Rays last year and shouldn’t be counted on for much fantasy impact.

Herrmann is just a .205/.282/.344 hitter over parts of eight major league seasons. He does offer some unique versatility, though, as a potential 26th man.

Herrmann cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and is now officially on the free agent market. He might have to settle for a minor league contract this winter.

The move clears the way for Beau Taylor’s return to the organization. Herrmann has hit just .202 with a .553 OPS in 94 plate appearances with the A’s this season.