Catcher Erik Kratz has elected free agency after being outrighted off the Red Sox’ 40-man roster, reports Brian Macpherson of the Providence Journal (on Twitter). Kratz was designated for assignment by the Red Sox late last week once Blake Swihart recovered from a minor injury.
A career .217/.270/.400 hitter, the 35-year-old Kratz has proven himself capable of hitting for power but at the cost of questionable batting average and OBP marks. Defensively, Kratz’s 31 percent caught-stealing rate is above average, and he’s received plus ratings in terms of pitch framing.
Kratz and his agents at Metis Sports Management will now have the opportunity to seek a deal with any club in need of depth and/or immediate help behind the plate. The Mariners, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter), are one team that could be a possible landing spot.
Mariners interested in a power hitter with terrible BA and OBP? Color me shocked!
Sounds like this is Zunino’s future if he doesn’t figure out how to stop swinging at junk.
Seems like a good guy who could do a little something with regular at-bats. Hope it works out in Seattle
Like to see him back in Toronto if Navarro is dealt sooner rather then later. Of course I’d rather Navarro if they can’t get a decent arm back.