The Tigers have announced the signing of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, per MLB.com’s Jason Beck (Twitter links). GM Al Avila said that the Munsey Sports Management client will have an opportunity to compete for a position backing up presumptive starter James McCann.
Detroit will be committed to Saltalamacchia for only one year at the MLB minimum rate. He’ll still earn a healthy $8MM this year, however, as the Marlins are still paying down the rest of the free agent contract he signed with the team.
Salty, who’ll turn 31 early in the season, lost his spot in Miami last year after a rough 2014 campaign and slow start. He landed with the Diamondbacks, putting up a strong .251/.332/.474 slash in 194 plate appearances. The switch hitter has historically been quite excellent against right-handed pitching, making him a nice potential complement to the righty McCann.
As long as he isn’t getting the starting job
Mccann is the man
True that
One year at major league minimum? He’s a long way from 2013
Hes going to get 7M either way, its just a matter of who he plays for.
you are right–i thought he was off contract after 2015, but it was a three year deal. thanks
Good signing. Det needed another catcher, I expected Flowers so Im okay with this. But Ill never forget his part in Prince Fielder flopping in the 2013 ALCS. Welcome to Detroit, Salty! Hope he can rediscover his swing and become an offensive and defensive force on our side.
Too bad that salty is more likely to be an offensive force for the opposition when he is on defense, and a defensive force for the opposition when he is at the plate. I know what he was previously, but like Dan Uggla, he is done.
No disrespect to you or Salty, but I wouldn’t make a bet with your money that he will rediscover his swing. Not in 16′ or ever again, for that matter.
Only the minimum, so when they realize where he is now, it won’t be tough to let him go. I know what he was previously, but like Dan Uggla, he is done. Very bad receiving, abhorrent at throwing and decision making, can’t play defense in general. Still calls a good game for the most part though. Offensively, he still can’t hit lefties, so that’s not new, but he is lost at the plate from the left side as well. He swings through fastballs, and other pitches in the zone. Too lazy to look it up, but I would have to think his zone contact rate is extremely low. Besides 1 great month before concussions in April 2014, I think he struck out like 40% of the time, which is crazy. He never was the same after those concussions. Very good dude. Not his fault that Loria paid him. Hope he can turn it around, but I think he is done
Excellent move. The 5th one in the last two weeks for Al Avila.
All position players are set. They locked up a veteran 20 HR/year guy to be a back up catcher, 1st baseman, DH and pinch hitter at league minimum salary.
4 infielders + 3 outfielders + 1 catcher = 8 starters (plus Maybin, who can play all three spots).
Add Romine to back up 2nd, SS, 3rd and the corner OF.
Add Salty to backup C and 1st base (as well as DH).
That leaves enough space for a 3rd catcher, who would be the true back up.
Start Salty 40 games at C and get him in 70 more games somehow. Perfect.
20 HR’s? He’s only done that once in 9 years…in Fenway.
You realize tha it’s Jarrod Saltilamacchia right? Not Victor Martinez a couple of years ago
Dude is deluded.I know he is a fan but come on
Lot of money for a guy that can’t double as a dh. Mccann is a cornerstone. Could understand if mccann needed help with leadership or etc. His intangibles are off the chart though
No cost backup C, who swings from the left side. What’s not to like.