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Rays Re-Sign Mike Zunino

By Mark Polishuk | December 16, 2020 at 3:01pm CDT

3:01PM: The Rays have announced the move. The escalators within the 2022 club option are broken down by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, as Zunino can increase the option to $5MM if he appears in 80 games.  Ninety games played raises the price to $6MM, and it tops out at $7MM if Zunino appears in 100 games or if he gets traded.

12:26PM: The Rays have agreed to a new deal with catcher Mike Zunino, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports (Twitter link).  It is a one-year contract for the veteran backstop, with a club option for the 2022 season.  Zunino is represented by Jet Sports Management.

Zunino will get $3MM in guaranteed money, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets.  According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (via Twitter), that $3MM breaks down as $2MM in salary and a $1MM buyout of the club option.  The exact value of that club option will vary based on Zunino’s playing time, but it will fall somewhere between $4MM-$7MM.

Tampa declined its $4.5MM club option on Zunino following the World Series, though there was mutual interest between the two sides in a new contract.  Zunino will now return for a third season with the Rays, and he’ll help fill a sizeable void behind the plate, as the AL champions also parted ways with Michael Perez and Kevan Smith.

It’s probably safe to assume that the Rays will continue to look for more catching help even with Zunino back, as his lack of offensive production over the last two seasons makes him an imperfect fit as a starting catcher.  Zunino has hit only .161/.233/.323 over 373 PA in a Rays uniform, though he did bolster that resume with a big performance in the 2020 ALCS to help Tampa Bay win the pennant.

Earlier in his career, it seemed as though Zunino would develop into an offense-first catcher if anything, as he slugged 90 homers with the Mariners from 2014-18.  Apart from an overall strong 2017 season, however, Zunino generally posted low batting averages and on-base totals, and detracted from his power with a lot of strikeouts.  Defensively, Zunino is well-respected as a game-caller and a handler of pitchers, but Statcast hasn’t been impressed with his declining framing ability over the last two seasons.

Zunino’s new deal removes another name from the list of free agent catchers.  The Rays were one of many contenders known to be looking for catching, and while Tampa obviously wasn’t shopping at the top of the backstop market (i.e. J.T. Realmuto or James McCann), removing Zunino from the next tier down further narrows out an already pretty thin collection of available talent for teams in need of a catcher upgrade.

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View Comments (76)
Post a Comment

76 Comments

  1. Nothing

    4 years ago

    We’ve got some moves going on today! Finally the stove is starting to warm!

    1
    Reply
  2. Mrtwotone

    4 years ago

    One of the best defensive catchers in the game and a proven leader.

    5
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      4 years ago

      Yes, and I am sure that he has suddenly just forgotten how to catch the ball. Face it. During Covid, he got a regular rotation of umpires that called a tighter zone.

      Reply
    • Redwood13

      4 years ago

      Are you talking about the same player that couldn’t catch a ball during the playoffs? Many pass balls against the Astros.

      1
      Reply
    • larry48

      4 years ago

      Zunino let a lot of ball by him in the world series, he looks like a neg war on catcher the ball.

      1
      Reply
    • vtadave

      4 years ago

      Dodger fans are thankful for that ball that got by him with Seager at the plate.

      Reply
  3. PutPeteRoseInTheHall

    4 years ago

    I had a feeling he would re-sign

    Reply
  4. its_happening

    4 years ago

    Good work by the Rays.

    2
    Reply
  5. Rangers29

    4 years ago

    Ok, now they need to sign a catcher.

    I mean, who is the other side of that platoon/backup role gonna be? A free agent, right?

    Reply
    • FredMcGriff for the HOF

      4 years ago

      They should just bring up Ronaldo Hernandez from the minors. He should be ready to be the backup catcher.

      1
      Reply
      • Sideline Redwine

        4 years ago

        Is this a joke? The dude is young and has never played above A. Come on. Know what is going on before you post something.

        6
        Reply
        • FredMcGriff for the HOF

          4 years ago

          Happens all the time Redwine. Lots of teenagers have made the jump and this “young guy “ is 23. No need to be rude.

          5
          Reply
        • cyndatu

          4 years ago

          What the Rays should do is sign an offense-first catcher that can play about 3/5 days on a 1-year deal with an option, pick up the option of whichever one does better, and have Ronaldo back the one they resign for a year. Robby Chirinos, Jason Castro, Yadi, Kurt Suzuki, etc.

          Something like:
          2021- Z & Offensive Platoon
          2022- Picked up catcher and Ronaldo
          2023- Ronaldo and Heriberto Hernandez

          1
          Reply
        • cyndatu

          4 years ago

          Ronaldo isn’t ready yet, however this sets him up to be ready 2022. I want the Rays to grab an offense-first catcher platoon mate on a 1-year deal with an option, have whichever does better stay for Ronaldo to back him up

          1
          Reply
        • larry48

          4 years ago

          Trade Snell to Dodgers for Barnes and prospects.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          4 years ago

          If he was slated to be in AA in 2020 he’ll be in AAA in 2021. If he rakes he is up.

          Reply
        • vtadave

          4 years ago

          Pretty sure a guy who put up a .299 OBP at High-A isn’t jumping to the majors in 2021.

          1
          Reply
  6. davidk1979

    4 years ago

    Weird he’s terrible

    5
    Reply
    • PutPeteRoseInTheHall

      4 years ago

      Have you seen him working behind the plate? Every pitcher’s dream right there

      2
      Reply
      • DTDATL

        4 years ago

        Defensive catchers are a dime a dozen and many pitchers can hit better than Zunino. His offense cancels out his defense and then some.

        2
        Reply
      • Redwood13

        4 years ago

        Or nightmare depending on how you see it

        1
        Reply
    • kc38

      4 years ago

      Every single pitcher on the Rays absolutely loves him and his defense is amazing… defense is how the Rays win games. They don’t need to flashy moves to make the baseball fans go crazy but this is a valuable signing

      2
      Reply
      • larry48

        4 years ago

        didn’t help his pitchers out in the world series, he did have a lot of trouble catching the borderline balls. The official scorer called then wild pitches but other teams would block them in front of them, Tampa Bay catcher look really bad.

        Reply
        • matt4baseball

          4 years ago

          Z was good enough in WS to get to game 6 and he was a good bat as well ! Someone please tell me why Realmuto and the Phillies pitching team ERA was about 6.00 and he’s worth 100 mill while Zunino and Rays team 3.84 era is worth hardly anything. Pitch calling matters! I believe Realmuto calls the wrong pitches. Something clearly to think about, Realmuto seems to get no responsibility for this.

          Reply
        • Thuggababyy

          4 years ago

          Pitchers gotta make the pitches bro

          Reply
        • differentbears

          4 years ago

          Zunino didn’t get a hit until Game 6, and even then it was after hopelessly chasing heat to 0-2 and getting his bat sped up by a slider.

          The Rays getting to Game 6 was all pitching and Randy Arozarena, and nothing to do with Zunino’s bat.

          Reply
  7. MetsFan22

    4 years ago

    Waiting for the arenado post

    1
    Reply
    • Rangers29

      4 years ago

      Announce Bauer to the Mets.

      2
      Reply
      • PutPeteRoseInTheHall

        4 years ago

        Mets don’t need him, and probably won’t get him. As much as the Giants need a starter that will eat some innings, I don’t want him.

        Reply
        • giantsphan12

          4 years ago

          @tward, I’m assuming you’re talking about Bauer. Even tho the Giants signing Bauer doesn’t make a lot of sense at this point in our rebuild, who cares? I’d be stoked if the Giants got him. Our rotation desperately needs help, and Bauer would just increase the fun in watching Giants games (at least every 4th-5th game). I don’t actually think SF will get him, just saying.

          Reply
      • DarkSide830

        4 years ago

        announce Cole to the Angels

        Reply
        • glassml

          4 years ago

          Yea Cole Hamels….

          3
          Reply
    • RunDMC

      4 years ago

      Interested in hearing your preliminary trade prediction (inc. $, where possible).

      Reply
      • MetsFan22

        4 years ago

        It depends how much the Rockies eat.

        Reply
    • PutPeteRoseInTheHall

      4 years ago

      What Arenado to the Mets? You’ll be waiting for a long time… like… maybe forever?

      3
      Reply
      • RunDMC

        4 years ago

        They’re commented on the reported rumor (today) of COL interested in “engaging” with NYM regarding Arenado.

        Reply
      • MetsFan22

        4 years ago

        No I don’t think it happens. I just wanted a article about it since it was rumored today. I really don’t think it happens.

        1
        Reply
        • Troutgolfsinoctober

          4 years ago

          I’d dump Nolan as my favorite player lol.

          All jokes aside. I would shut up about the Mets and put a cap on and root for him. Anything’s better than his situation now if he wants to win.

          Reply
  8. Monkey’s Uncle

    4 years ago

    So Zunino got more money for a one year deal than David Dahl? Interesting.

    2
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      4 years ago

      only if you include the option. he’s only making 2 million this year.

      1
      Reply
    • Led Hoyer

      4 years ago

      If Dahl could catch he would be signed for a lot more than 1 for 3

      Reply
    • Sideline Redwine

      4 years ago

      This move is about defense.

      Reply
      • larry48

        4 years ago

        yes, poor defense!

        1
        Reply
        • OK PLAY3R

          4 years ago

          @larry48

          Shows what you know. Big Z is an above average catcher. His bat leaves something be desired though.

          Reply
  9. DarkSide830

    4 years ago

    they need to do better if they want to get over the top

    Reply
    • James1955

      4 years ago

      DarkSide830. Anything can happen in the playoffs.

      2
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        4 years ago

        and by the same token you could argue they got lucky last year. they need more hitting, plain and simple, and you need someone who makes up from the lost value of Charlie Clutch.

        Reply
        • therealryan

          4 years ago

          Lucky to the make the playoffs? That is absurd. The Rays have the 5th most wins in baseball over the past 3 seasons and have won 90, 96, and 108 win pace last season. Maybe they’re not a 108 win team, few ever are, but they’re definitely not lucky because they made the playoffs.

          1
          Reply
        • DarkSide830

          4 years ago

          lucky in the playoffs, not getting in in in general.

          Reply
  10. ajrodz1335

    4 years ago

    Trade him and Baz to CHC for Contreras now.

    Reply
    • Sideline Redwine

      4 years ago

      OMG stop. Yes, trade a great young arm for a backstop with two more years of control, who is consistently inconsistent, and may never reach his potential. This is why no one on this DB could ever be a GM or have anything to do with real trades.

      Well, except me.

      1
      Reply
      • jay13

        4 years ago

        I agree with you on everything except you could be a GM. A lot more goes into that job. If you had the connections needed to be a GM in any sport, we wouldn’t be hearing you talk here.

        That being said, you are spot on with your Rays. I usually look for your responses on the Rays. You are very knowledgeable of your team.

        2
        Reply
        • Sideline Redwine

          4 years ago

          Trust me, I know I couldn’t be a GM! Was just jacking around…that would be fun for about a month, then too much pressure. (I don’t take myself that seriously haha)

          1
          Reply
        • Sideline Redwine

          4 years ago

          And thanks, Jay13

          Reply
      • OK PLAY3R

        4 years ago

        @Sideline Redwine

        Right? Keep Baz, let him develop. Keep to the Rays’ way.

        1
        Reply
  11. Sideline Redwine

    4 years ago

    Sign Casali as backup, add a third guy for depth, and move on to starting pitching.

    As a Rays fan, likely the top one on this board, I am totally fine with Zunino as a defense-first catcher. You can always allow one (maybe two) spots in the lineup for defense (in the NL, we call this the pitcher). Zunino does well and is cheap. He knows the staff, he has a good rapport with them, and every once in a while he hits a dinger.

    3
    Reply
  12. James1955

    4 years ago

    Realmuto has drop his price by a lot. Nobody is going to give a lot of money to a 29 year old catcher.

    2
    Reply
  13. DTDATL

    4 years ago

    I get this guy is known for being a good defensive catcher but any value he has there gets driven so far down because of the black hole that is his offense. I can’t fathom how these get keeps getting paid millions when they’re a dime a dozen.

    Reply
    • stymeedone

      4 years ago

      Elite defensive catchers are not a dime a dozen. They are truly rare. Almost as rare as a good offensive catcher. Offensive C do get paid more, Zunino’s option will never get picked up by Tampa.

      2
      Reply
      • Rangers29

        4 years ago

        Catcher is by far the best position where offense can be a little lackluster and you still have a good catcher. I’d rather a catcher that’s great defensively with a .710 ops, rather than an .800 ops but with stone hands.

        1
        Reply
        • DarkSide830

          4 years ago

          the problem is Zunino has a hard time cracking .600 these days.

          Reply
        • Cosmo2

          4 years ago

          So, no Wilson Ramos for you? I concur.

          Reply
        • brodie-bruce

          4 years ago

          piggyback what your saying a good defensive catch takes psi off your staff and makes them pitch count that are in the hitters favor less predictable. you gotta guy that can smother a pitch in the dirt and call a game that’s worth way more imo but i always felt if your strong up the middle def. you can sacrifice def. in other areas

          Reply
        • larry48

          4 years ago

          was 1 for 25 in world series

          Reply
        • OK PLAY3R

          4 years ago

          @larry48

          Is that the only time you’ve watched the Rays?

          Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        4 years ago

        Narratives are so interesting.

        Just checked him out over at Baseball Savant (hat tip to mlb1225 & Rangers29). Everyone here is raving about what a “great defensive catcher” he is.

        That is not the picture that Baseball Savant paints. He’s basically nothing more than adequate against base runners & actually grades out really poorly in framing these days.
        I’d assume he’s decent at blocking? Though I’m trying to figure out how to find that.

        & “he’s great with pitchers, the whole staff loves him!” doesn’t strike me as all that moving of an argument. What’s Snell supposed to say, man? “Yeah…he actually sucks but he does put the catcher’s gear on”.

        Ya know?

        2
        Reply
        • bobtillman

          4 years ago

          Exactly. I watch a ton of AL East games. “Z” isn’t bad back there, but there’s a continent of space between him and, ,say, a Molina.

          And those options are hilarious. . Sure, give him a 10M option. It’s like raising the cap gains tax for Bezos…he doesn’t pay them anyway, raise it to 50% for all he cares.

          Reply
  14. BobSacamano

    4 years ago

    1 less team that will be targeting Casali. Let’s go DET!!

    2
    Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      4 years ago

      Casali still makes a lot of sense for Tampa. They need 2 catchers that can start any game. If the price is right, I wouldn’t be surprised if Casali ends up in Tampa too.

      3
      Reply
  15. heinie manush

    4 years ago

    My dream of a Joey Bart for Snell trade has expired with the Zunino signing.

    Reply
    • giantsphan12

      4 years ago

      @heinie, I’ve been dreaming of that same trade. I think it is not happening, however I don’t think the Zunino trade changes anything. As those of us who watched Bart last year saw, he need a little more seasoning before he’s truly ready for the show. So, Tampa could make that trade, get him some time in AAA and bring him up a little later in the season if Zunino is struggling. Then, if Bart was solid, the Rays would have their starting catcher set for the foreseeable future (and the Giants would have another #2 starter which is desperately needed).

      Reply
      • heinie manush

        4 years ago

        Snell would be their #1 starter. Cueto and Gausman both really 3,4 or 5 SP, IMHO. Problem is TB major need at C is now gone.

        Reply
  16. matt4baseball

    4 years ago

    I hope Zunino ends up the backup . Wilson Ramos makes a whole lot of sense since he can DH as well as catch and we need a RH contact Hitter desperatly. I believe Neander is on this and will have to wait till late January before Ramos choses to sign.

    Reply
  17. Dorothy_Mantooth

    4 years ago

    So it’s a 1 year, $3M deal. Zunino could rebound and hit 20+ HRs and Tampa wouldn’t pay him his option even at its lowest $5M tier.

    Reply
  18. Sideline Redwine

    4 years ago

    Looking at the escalators, I think they will look for another guy to be the main dude. They declined a $4.5 million option–they didn’t do that to pay him $7 million.

    Reply
  19. MarlinsFanBase

    4 years ago

    Too bad. I wanted the Marlins to bring him in.

    Reply

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