The Yankees have agreed to a minor league contract with free-agent catcher Erik Kratz, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets. He’s represented by the Ballplayers Agency.
Kratz, 39, will return for a yet another stint in the Yankees organization and bring a highly respected clubhouse veteran to the team’s catching depth chart. New York originally acquired Kratz in a cash deal with the Indians back in 2017, and this marks the third time the Yanks have signed him to a minor league contract since that deal. With Austin Romine departing to the Tigers on a one-year deal, Kyle Higashioka is the expected backup to Gary Sanchez, but Kratz seems likely to vie for a roster spot in Spring Training.
The veteran Kratz has spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors, logging a collective .205/.252/.354 batting line through 921 plate appearances. He’s halted 32 percent of stolen-base attempts against him in his career and regularly puts up strong numbers in terms of both pitch framing and blocking pitches in the dirt. He’ll turn 40 next June but nevertheless enjoyed a .299/.375/.500 slash in 176 plate appearances with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate in Scranton last year. Given that Kratz and his family live close to the Scranton area, he’ll have the opportunity to continue playing close to home even if he doesn’t break camp with the Yankees’ Major League club.
Who wants to start? Erik Kratz is so old…
He knows what a vcr, cd player, floppy disk, cassette tape are.
So isn’t wilford
Eightball is def at least 40 years old
His social security number is 1
His original last name was Kratzosaurus.
he has firsthand knowledge of how the pyramids were built.
…not as old as you, Wilford.
…he hears his favorite songs every time he gets on an elevator.
Couldn’t they find someone older?
Nice to see Bobby axlerod in yankees pinstripes
hahaha good one
He’ll always be Lieutenant Winters of Easy Company for me.
They need someone for when they have to bench Sanchez.
True, but this isn’t that someone.
better than Higashoika
If he can crack the majors past June 15th, he will be a rare 40-something in the majors these days.
Looks like it will be: Pujols, Nelson Cruz, Rich Hill, and here’s hoping Kratz, Pat Neshek, Fernando Rodney can keep it going. Rajai Davis if he is in the bigs past Oct. 19.
Kratz catch fever.
🙂
amazing
Daddy Kratz is a beast
He really is. Loved this guy on the Brewers and wish him nothing but good luck!
Take out the”r” in his name because he seams to have nine lives.
WAY TO GO KRATZY!!!
You’re the best!!!!
Good for Erik. He’s a good guy. Hopefully, he’ll get a chance to keep his 1.000 Yankee batting average going.
The Kraken meets the Kratzen. Again.
i guess the stone temple pilots aren’t playing much these days so he needs a backup gig.
Nice pic
Are the yankees going to put an offer for lindor? Or is our team set.
No. They’re set. Maybe another reliever. And if they want a utility upgrade over Tyler Wade. Even if the Yankees gain some payroll space with the whole Ellsbury spectacle, they should keep that open for a mid-summer trade. German is going to miss time due to a suspension but they have enough fill-ins already.
Not sure if you watched the games but Wade did well down the stretch. I think he’s just starting to figure it out at the dish. He’s fast, left handed and a great defensive replacement late in games. I think you are going to see more of Tyler Wade..
There is a belief that he will not do well in a bench role and needs regular at bats. Don’t know if it’s true but I have heard it.
I think you have to make an offer. My thought is Cleveland can use Andujar more than us, so you start with him. Devei Garcia and Albert Abreu could be pieces that interest Cleveland and then you give them a wild card like Estavan Florial, who used to be untouchable and choice of Estrada or Wade to replace Lindor. That is a real package they would consider and wouldn’t kill the Yankees.
Calm down mike. Open your eyeballs. Your dream wasn’t real. There are the NY Yankees. Brian Cashman is the GM.
He’s smart. Your ideas are dopey.
Giving them a starting corner that was second in the rookie of the year is dopey? Adding in our top pitching prospect, a potential wc pitcher and a serviceable young infielder. Okay, then.
Add the kitchen sink and the walk in shower You are talking a 5vfor 1 trade that is a big haul. I was surprise you didnt include Clint Frazier. Seriously a package of Frazier Garcia Abreu and one of the other Estrada or Wade. I wouldnt give up Andjuar just yet who is to say Urshella’s season was not a fluke
I hear rumors of Stanton/Happ for Hosmer/Myers
Erik Kratz just came out with a new adult diaper product called “Kraptz.”
Replacement for Bird.
This guy is awesome. Never gives in.
So looking on the web today, there is an article from the Brewers fans perspective:
https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/12/20/21030354/milwaukee-brewers-josh-hader-new-york-yankees-trade
They think they can get Andujar, Frazier, Garcia, Florial and Dominguez for Hader! I guess that is why trades rarely happen. Dominguez is untouchable. The other 4 would be a tall order for a relief pitcher.