Why the Cincinnati Reds claimed and called up catcher Michael Papierski

CHICAGO –– Whether the Cincinnati Reds are looking for a catcher in free agency, on the waiver wire or in the draft, there’s a consistent set of priorities that the Reds’ front office has.

When the Reds acquire a catcher, they value leadership, game calling and relationship-building with pitchers. This week, the Reds claimed catcher Michael Papierski from the San Francisco Giants and activated him to the MLB roster because of what Papierski offers in those three areas.

“What gave us confidence bringing him in was his ability to at least initially be able to handle the pitching staff,” Reds manager David Bell said. “With our young pitchers, that’s really important to us. He has a really strong…