I think this is assuming too much right now. If Fry continues to look adequate behind the plate and hit well, then that helps this team tremendously. It basically allows your utility player to have a C on his resume as well as all the other positions and then you don't have to weigh down your roster with a non-hitting backup C like Gallagher. In the end they may determine that Fry isn't good enough with the gear on, but that seems unlikely after watching Zunino to this point. Fry is a helluva lot better than him and hanging around Sandy will probably help him get even better. The same applies to Bo as well.
My guess is that most of this will be determined by Fry's bat. The question is how are they going to go about getting him reps?
In 23, I'd go with all three since Naylor and Fry need to still get used to the majors as a catcher so having a veteran like Gallagher around is smart plus we know the pitchers like throwing to Gallagher. Naylor can DH as well against RH pitchers, so that allows him to keep his ABs...
I'm also looking long term and how I would personally construct the bench. I always have guys who can play a bunch of positions with at least average defense. I feel like with Fry having played pretty much everything but CF and SS over the years, he's a perfect candidate as a bench guy. Plus we have a lot of left handed hitters in the organization. So having an utility like Fry who can play a bunch of positions, would be a perfect bench guy.
Now, having him as strictly the backup catcher, in my mind, is doing him a disservice, but if he can show he is strong enough defensively, then I can merit doing that. I'm just the type, to always like a strong defensive catcher as the backup regardless of the bat...
So in 23, keep him in his current role and when spring of 24 comes around, keep Gallagher and give Fry the chance/choice on his role...
I need to see more of Fry I believe. If we're to be competitive while having a payroll in the lower half of the league then we need everyone to contribute. If Fry is going to hit then his C skills that we've seen so far are more than adequate. Hell, he might be the best defensive C we have at this time next year. His throws are the best we've seen this year and it isn't even close.
I was chewed out by saying we need to see more of Fry before we decide anything the other day. We are on the same page when we both want to see more of Fry...
I am personally at the point, cut Zunino, replace him with like Schneeman or something, at least short term, and give Gallagher and Fry the starts until Naylor is ready to come up.
