After being released by the Tigers yesterday, veteran catcher Bobby Wilson will re-sign with the club on a minor league pact today, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com (Twitter link). He will join the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.
Wilson entered spring training on a minor league deal, hoping to earn a roster spot as the Tigers’ backup catcher. However, he wound up the odd man out with Hector Sanchez, John Hicks, and Cameron Rupp all in the mix for that same role. Wilson, then, was released yesterday after falling short in that position battle.
Today, though, Wilson will be back with the Tigers on another minor league agreement and will begin the season at the Triple-A level. It’s unclear whether there is a realistic path to significant Major League playing time for Wilson, who remains behind the aforementioned catchers on the Tigers’ depth chart.
Last season, the 35-year-old Wilson got his first taste of the big leagues since 2016, when he appeared with the Rays, Rangers, and Tigers. With the Twins in 2018, Wilson posted an underwhelming .178/.242/.281 slash line in 47 games. However, the veteran is respected not for his bat, but his defensive abilities and game-calling.
can I get a woot?!
Woot. former rangers backup, he’s a solid player
He’s one of the worst players in MLB. Probably will be one of the worst in AAA in 2019. If you’re looking for any sort of upside, hope he’s able to show a prospect a thing or two about catching.
With the state of the tigers roster, I’ve never been more excited for the MiLBTV season. Go Mud Hens and Sea Wolves!
Haha where the action will be!
Hopefully.
“Wilson, then, was released yesterday after falling short in that position battle.”
“Then” definitely goes without saying.
For anyone wondering why he was released and then resigned, the Tigers avoided paying his $100,000 bonus by releasing him.
I believe the Tigers are stock piling veteran catchers to work with all their young pitchers as they build their system. I believe it will be their M.O. for years to come.
That sounds smart. Holladay will be available again soon. In words from Loyd Christmas, “pick em up!”