Cleveland Guardians Claim Six-Year Veteran Catcher Off Waivers

The Cleveland Guardians have made a notable move by claiming catcher and outfielder Eric Haase off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.

Haase, who initially began his baseball journey with the Guardians after being drafted by them in 2011, returns to the American League Central division where he spent his earlier years.

He's coming home: The Guardians claimed catcher Eric Haase from the Tigers. They designated Zach Collins for assignment. Haase (who's actually a Michigan native) was a 2011 Cleveland draft pick.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) August 21, 2023

The versatile player's recent struggles at the plate led to his designation for assignment by the Tigers, but his power-hitting abilities and previous strong offensive performances make him an intriguing addition to the Guardians' roster.

Throughout his four seasons with the Tigers, Haase showcased a blend of power and versatility, maintaining a .229/.280/.400 triple-slash line, hitting 40 home runs, driving in 133 runs, stealing five bases, and scoring 112 runs across 301 games.

His ability to play both catcher and outfield adds flexibility to his role. The Guardians' decision to acquire Haase speaks to their recognition of his potential impact, especially given the current challenges faced with catching depth.

C Eric Haase has been claimed off waivers by Cleveland.

— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 21, 2023

Haase's acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Guardians, as injuries have sidelined their catchers Cam Gallagher and David Fry.

Despite his underwhelming performance this season, Haase's past success and versatility position him as a promising backup to rookie catcher Bo Naylor.

As Haase returns to the organization where he was originally drafted, his journey with the Guardians offers a fresh opportunity to revitalize his career and demonstrate his potential once again. Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports