The Red Sox haven’t forgotten about catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
There have been rumors about the Red Sox talking with other free-agent catchers, and the lack of a $14.1 million qualifying offer to Saltalamacchia inevitably raised questions about just how interested Boston is in re-signing the 28-year-old backstop. But there is certainly some interest, as CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox have made a two-year contract offer to Saltalamacchia.
WEEI.com’s Alex Speier confirmed Heyman’s report, and ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes noted on Twitter that he’s also hearing that the Red Sox would like Saltalamacchia back on a two-year deal. The exact terms of Boston’s two-year offer are unclear, but Heyman says that it’s believed to be for something less than $10 million per year. Heyman adds that there are no indications to suggest the two sides are close to a deal, and Speier reports that Saltalamacchia, who is still gauging the market, is not close to a deal with any team at this point.
Saltalamacchia is coming off his best season as a major leaguer despite some struggles in the postseason. He hit .273 with 14 home runs, 65 RBIs and a career-high .804 OPS. Since Salty wasn’t extended a qualifying offer by the Red Sox, other teams would not have to relinquish a compensatory draft pick to sign the catcher.
The Red Sox have been linked to other free-agent catchers this offseason, including Brian McCann, Carlos Ruiz and A.J. Pierzynski, and Heyman reports that Boston is continuing to talk with multiple options.
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