Free-agent catcher Matt Wieters is expected to play for Team USA at this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweets. He could join several other notable veterans on the roster.
This is the first report centering on Wieters since he became a free agent at the end of last season. The 34-year-old spent the previous two seasons as a member of the Cardinals, with whom he backed up Yadier Molina and hit .212/.274/.399 with 11 home runs in 224 plate appearances. Defensively, the Cardinals’ version of Wieters threw out 8 of 20 would-be base thieves – good for a 40 percent rate that checks in above his solid career mark of 32 percent.
Wieters is also a former National, but he’s best known for his run with the Orioles from 2009-16. The fifth overall pick in the 2007 draft, Wieters was an uber-prospect (Baseball America’s ranked him No. 1 twice) who was dubbed “Mauer with Power.” He may not have lived up to that hype consistently, but he did make four All-Star appearances with the Orioles and hit between 22 and 23 home runs in three different seasons. Overall, Wieters has batted .249/.313/.409 (92 wRC+) with 146 home runs in 4,428 plate appearances as a major leaguer. Whether Wieters will resurface in the bigs remains to be seen, but it appears he’ll at least play competitively again this summer.
wow, this team has a lot more experience then the Premier12 roster.
Do you guys think we will see Adley Rutchsman sometime this year? I believe he will be a better version of Matt Wieters and I’m excited to see the dude play!
I’ve watched him just on milb.tv. He looks pretty unsure of himself handling anything with a wrinkle on both offense and defense. No doubt the talent is in there, and some noticeable leadership. But he needs a year in AA IMHO.
I’m not sure why the brain trust keeps flipping him from C to 1B….versatility is nice and all that, but he needs further refining behind the plate, and that only comes with reps. You really don’t want to turn Trevor Story into Ben Zobrist.
Yeah, he should stay at catcher IMO . He’s really good with the glove behind the plate and from what I heard he can call a good game as well. Maybe they could let him play a few games a year at first just to get his bat in the line-up when he needs a night off behind the plate. I would just be afraid that would mess with his development. IDK I’m obviously not a coach or scout, just my opinion lol. Either way he’s an exciting young player.
I went and saw him last night. He played first base fairly well. The pitchers were fairly timid pitching to him. He walked three times. He rarely saw a decent pitch.
A better version of Matt Wieters??? How hard is that?????
@Very Barry
Considering Wieters had 5 seasons with an OPS+ over 100 as a catcher, won 2 gold gloves, hit over 20 home runs in multiple seasons, Caught opponents stealing 32% of the time, and was an above average game caller I’d say it would be pretty difficult lol.
Mauer is better then x, Wieters is better then Mauer, Adley us better then Writers, …
Probably could beat the Tigers in a 3 game series….
8 of 12 is 40%?
Sorry. That should’ve said 8 of 20. Thanks.
40% of 20 = 8
The math is correct
I came here to say the same thing. It’s either the wrong numbers or the wrong math.
I wouldn’t be mad if the mariners took a flier on this guy. Can’t be worse than Torrens.
Careful for what you wish for.
I’d rather see top prospects play rather than washed up vets. Obviously, I’d rather have the studs playing, but in the heat of baseball season, it isn’t happening. So ship the developing prospects that aren’t likely to be called up and let them play. Idk. Seems more exciting to me
That’s what the WBC is for. MLB wasn’t gonna stop the season for the Olympics, so this should feature young players sprinkled with some bets.
I remember when they said he was going to be the next Joe Mauer. Even when hurt/human Mauer was still better
the term, ‘backup’ is way overused
Remember when he was the next big thing
I remember Wieters was nicknamed God by his teammates. Ouch!
The USA team looks like a home where worn out, used up MLB players go. Not much promise so far. Just sayin’.
They have to actually qualify first.
That’s good to hear.
that’s probably what’s going on here
Good for Wieters. It must be quite a thrill to represent your country in the Olympics.
What a joke! There is obviously no fanfare for USA baseball in the Olympics. Because of the time it’s played, it’s nothing but a AA/ AAA event for them because the USA stars are on MLB Clubs. No team or GM would want the Star players to participate anyway.
Watching team USA get smashed by Greece or Australia is not my idea of patriotism. SMH.
i mean, they finished within a hair of qualifying in 2019 with a Penn Murfee and Clayton Andrews.
I guess no gold for the US this year.
Wieters is one of the most over-hyped players of his generation and really has never produced. Why Team USA needs him—despite his recent 40% throw out rate of base stealers—is beyond me.
Saying he has never produced is stupid.
Okay, you don’t have to call me names. But if 2 years out of a 12 year career (9 years ago) is your benchmark for greatness, you’re setting a lower bar than I do. I still think he’s always been over-hyped.
He produced 9.3 bWAR in two seasons (2011-12).
Doubt the olympics actually happen