Learning curve for catchers takes time

From what I’ve seen, it looks like Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire will make a pretty good duo behind the plate. They both seem to be improving quite a bit this year. How do you view the catching setup? — Dan The catcher’s position is one spot that requires more patience than anywhere else and it’s not hard to figure out why. Just look at what Jansen was tasked with this year. He had to learn an almost entirely new pitching staff while adjusting to a big-league environment and figuring out how to handle opposing hitters. It might not seem like much, but consider the Jays have used 38 different pitchers. That’s a jaw-dropping number and it’s no wonder Jansen has struggled with the bat because he has been pulled in so many different directions. The bigger test, in my mind, will come next year after he has a full season under his belt and knows what to expect. McGuire, by most accounts, projects as a long-term backup. The numbers in the majors look nice with a .301 average and .882 OPS in 33 career games, but that production has come in a small sample size and it doesn’t line up with what he has typically produced in the minors. What plan do you foresee the Jays having for Nate Pearson in 2020? — Felix Pearson tossed 1012⁄ 3 innings in the minors this year, which was a career high. That number should be 140 or 150 next year, which is a significant increase but falls short of being a fulltime starter. In other words, Pearson is at least one full year away from being free of innings limits. The Jays are still having internal discussions about how to manage the workload. The most logical approach appears to be delaying Pearson’s start to 2020. Do you see Vladdy playing third all next year? — Ian G. I do, but in all honesty I don’t see it lasting much longer than that. Vlad Guerrero’s arm remains an asset, but the footwork leaves a lot to be desired and his hands haven’t been reliable. With the infield talent the Jays have — Vlad, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Richard Urena, etc. — and the lack of top-end pitching, what’s the chance they flip a guy like Jordan Groshans or package guys like Samad Taylor and Otto Lopez? — Nathan H. These are the kinds of trades the Jays have no choice but to explore. There is ample depth in the infield, and while I wouldn’t expect a priority prospect such as Groshans to be moved, there are other pieces that could be packaged together to facilitate a deal. Will long-term extensions for the second-generation players (Biggio, Vlad, Bichette) be harder to come by, given their family’s (likely) financial security? — Chris, Dallas It’s an interesting question and one that is almost impossible to answer because every situation is unique, but it must play at least a minor role. That said, money talks and there’s no doubt each of them would listen to offers because everybody wants job security. But consider me skeptical that the Jays will be able to work out a long-term extension with Guerrero and Bichette any time soon.