Royals: Positional battle, Salvador Perez needs a backup

There are free agent options for the Kansas City Royals backup catcher spot, but the players that are the best options are likely too expensive.

There are multiple free agent catchers available for the Royals if needed, but it is likely in their best interest to focus their money elsewhere. If a free agent catcher was to be picked up for a backup role, Martin Maldonado is available again.

Maldonado is another option that struggles offensively, slashing .220/.298/.391 for the entire 2019 season, with 46 runs, 12 home runs, and 27 RBIs over 101 games. Defensively, though, the Gold Glove catcher has a history of competing with the best and would be an outstanding option as a backup.

Another name that rings some bells is Drew Butera. Butera continues the trend of catchers with offensive struggles, slashing .163/.229/.233 in the 16 major league games he saw in 2019. He has a good history of defense, though, and a good reputation among many Royals fans.

There are a lot of options for the Royals, and even more free agents to dive into if the team decided to go that route. The money would be better spent elsewhere, though as there are multiple options already within the organization and much great need in other positions.

Dini is a possibility, but it is likely the battle for backup catcher will be between Viloria and Gallagher. They are both great catchers defensively and have similar numbers when batting. Gallagher has seen more major league time and could have a slight edge, but nobody will know who gets the spot for sure until both can make their argument come spring training.