Blake Swihart for Kyle Schwarber.....in about 3-4 weeks.

Many on site don't think Swihart is better than Vazquez.

Then, we have to add.

What? Trade for the guy who needs major reconstructive knee surgery?


If Swihart goes it'll be for pitching. Not some dude who might be hobbled forever.

This deal makes no sense on either side.

The Cubs have a good catching prospect in Willson Contreras. They don't exactly desperately need Swihart.

Meanwhile the Sox do have a cheap replacement for Papi, the next Paul Goldschmidt, (I'm joking).

The Sox have a legit option of sliding Hanley over to DH and handing over 1b to Sam Travis in 2017. I know some aren't high on him, but it wouldn't shock me to see him tear up AAA pitching and hit with increased power. I think this guy's hit tool is really, really good.

I think the Cubs are better off hoping that the NL adopts the DH really soon, which could happen. At least they're one year closer to that happening.

If the Sox are going to trade one of Vazquez/Swihart, I would think it will be as part of a package for a #2/#3 type starter, not a DH.

How about trading him for a premium pitching prospect? Few years ago the Mariners traded a rookie pitcher (Pineda) coming from a big year in the majors for all bat-no glove catcher in Montero.
Swihart's bat doesn't have the potential that Montero's was projected to reach but the glove is much better and FWIW he's a much better runner so if the Rangers call offering Dilon Tate, would you pull the trigger? I won't but if they're willing to add say Ronald Guzman, I will definitly make that deal.
What do you think is a Rangers solid return for departing with Swihart?

Agree that if Blake is traded this season it will be for a potential #2. But I also believe we shouldn't be in any hurry. I'd like to see Swihart catch almost every day in Pawtucket and hopefully rake. He has always been one of my favorite prospects, but it is evident after Friday night that unless Vazquez gets hurt.....he is the future behind the plate now (not a bad thing).

WHAT a game he had. Swihart's worth drops big time if he doesn't catch. If you want him to dabble as a left-fielder, OK, but don't decrease his value on the trade front.

Let Swihart catch pretty much every day, improve, and supply depth for the next 6 to 8 weeks. MAYBE we move him at the deadline, but get his value up and keep that safety valve in AAA in case we need him.

As I said, I'm a big fan, but CV makes our club more solid now and probably in the future (and it is hard for me to come to that conclusion as I have a crush on Swihart).

In an auction-type situation with multiple bidders, leverage is not really based off what his current team can use him for, but what the other bidders could use him for. Even if he doesn't have a role at the major league level for the Red Sox, as long as multiple other teams still strongly value him, the Red Sox will still have plenty of leverage.

Let's just get everything done with one trade; Gray and Reddick for Swihart, Owens, Castillo we pay a ton of contract, Dubon and a lower guy that has upside.  I could also be talked into trading Sam Travis if we are getting both Gray and Reddick.

That's a lot to give up, but a trade for Gray is going to hurt.  If you can do it without touching the top 5 you make the trade.

With so little catching I see Swiharts value equal to those 3. I would trade Devers if you took out Swihart.

With the presence of Vazquez, I'd rather trade Swihart than Benintendi/Moncada/Espinoza. I'm also probably one of the lower guys on him as well.

Texas could use a young catcher. Its top ranked C prospect is #22 out of 30. Right now it has Holoday and Nicholas behind the plate, both in the 27 - 28 yr range. It could have interest in Swihart. I'd like to see Nomar Mazara as the return. Power hitting LH outfielder with a power arm.. Only 21. Had a brief stint with the Rangers this season and hit 3HR.