The Giants have agreed to a minor-league deal with backstop Cameron Rupp, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter). It comes with a MLB Spring Training invite and a potential $750K salary if Rupp can crack the roster.
Of course, Rupp failed to see any action in the bigs last year, breaking a five-year streak in which he had. That came as something of a surprise, as the 30-year-old had seen rather extensive action previously with the Phillies and provided some real thump for a backstop.
Over his 1,127 total plate appearances at the game’s highest level, Rupp owns a .234/.298/.407 batting line with 39 home runs. Despite his on-base issues, that’s a solid amount of offense given the position. Splitting his time last year between the top affiliates of the Rangers, Mariners, and Twins, Rupp slashed .223/.320/.425.
Of course, teams generally prioritize defensive capabilities in their backup catchers, and Rupp’s reputation is not exactly stellar in that regard. He graded as one of the game’s worst framers in 2017, though he had scored in range of average previously. It seems likely Rupp will come to camp bidding for a chance to back up Buster Posey behind the plate in San Francisco.
Rupper Posey
Depth Move… Pretty sure more catchers on the Way !
Wonder how long it will take for a yanktard fan to say, ‘gee I was hoping the Yankees would have signed him.
dilly dilly
Oh look, another poster that gets the automatic downvote! Rent free baby!
Wait, Yankee fans aren’t paying rent to annoy the comment sections?
How can we change this?
Best comment of the day!
It’s on. Go Giants!
Bad sign if this guy makes the major league team.
Hey pinstripes you are what you eat
Are you saying they eat a$$
I mean if you’re speaking metaphorically, look at Ellsbury.
Could this… Oh please let it… Could it mean that Hundley isn’t coming back?
If it’s true I’m devastated. He’s such a clutch performer. Plays with heart, and fights with Puig.
I’m hoping Garcia cracks it this year! Love Hundley, May still be optional, but we have to squeeze talent out of Garcia.
Garcia never really put up good minor league numbers. He just kind of came out of nowhere and started hitting in the major leagues. I don’t think it’s sustainable.
He deserves a shot either way. It isn’t like backup catcher is an extremely important offensive position.
Garcia’s call up was surprising. What happened to Trevor Brown?
He was released.
I agree with his performance but in order for our club to rise up we need to squeeze the good from the bad out of triple A like Brown. He had his shot too, and so should Garcia.
Missed that. Thanks.
I like Hundley too. He may not be willing to sign another one year contract with the Giants tho if he could get even two elsewhere.
You must be too busy watching the Rivercats. Hundley was a really good backup. Every real Giants fan knows that.
Phils fan here. The article pretty much says it all, but it may also be worth noting that Rupp has a strong, accurate throwing arm.
That name is as hot as my “hatred” for the Phillies.
I am amazed that teams put so much behind pitch framing, when the numbers very so much year to year. I think the umpire is the bigger influence. I’d rather have the catcher that can block the ball in the dirt.
Nooooo nick hundley may not come back… if so I and I assume many other giants fans will deeply miss him. He was the only “good” player we had in 2017 other than Buster.
Well that explains why they sucked so much doesn’t it?
This signing sounds more like a depth option in the case Posey isn’t ready by opening day and they need somebody to play behind Aramis Garcia.
I don’t think it precludes Hundley coming back, though I tend to think that $2-3M for a backup catcher on a team that likely won’t contend is a bit much.
Agreed. They should go with Garcia as the backup and just have Rupp or a similar player as AAA depth. No need to spend millions on a backup catcher right now.
While the cramming metrics and sub par defense might be worrisome, when backing up the best in the game, you tend to get some pointers and improve.
Bryce Harper yo giants
Hundley was a good catcher last year? Was he not?
Can someone explain this move to me?
When maxed on payroll, you cut where you can. Posey gets a raise, a different position works for less.