3:16pm: Snyder's deal allows him to opt out if he isn't on the roster by Opening Day, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports (on Twitter).
10:51am: The Nationals released Chris Snyder this morning, but it didn't take long for the veteran catcher to find a new job. Snyder says he has signed with the Angels, according to James Wagner of the Washington Post (on Twitter). The Angels and the LSW baseball client agreed to a minor league deal includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
The Angels had been seeking a backup catcher because of growing concern about Hank Conger’s throwing problems. They recently intensified their search for catching, Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times reported today. Teams such as the Pirates, Phillies and Rays were also looking for catching, so a trade involving Snyder seemed likely as recently as yesterday.
The 32-year-old appeared in 76 games for the Astros this past season. He posted a .176/.295/.308 batting line in 258 plate appearances, adding seven home runs. The Astros declined a $4MM option on Snyder after the regular season, choosing a $500K buyout instead.
