It’s official. A.J. Pierzynski will be catching games for the Red Sox in 2014.
The Red Sox announced Wednesday that they have signed Pierzynski to a one-year contract. News of the agreement broke Tuesday, and while terms of the deal have not been disclosed, reports indicate that Pierzynski will earn $8.25 million in 2014.
Pierzynski, who turns 37 later this month, is a colorful player who will bring some pop to the Red Sox’ offense. The two-time All-Star slugged 17 home runs with the Rangers in 2013 and a career-high 27 jacks with the White Sox in 2012. Pierzynski is coming off somewhat of a down year, though, as he posted just a .297 on-base percentage and .722 OPS.
The Red Sox are hopeful that Pierzynski will bring the power and durability that he’s typically shown throughout his 16-year career. Pierzynski is the only major league catcher to reach double digits in home runs in nine of the last 11 years. He has caught at least 110 games in each of the last 13 seasons, marking the longest such streak in major league history.
Pierzynski will replace Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Marlins. David Ross will continue to serve as Boston’s backup catcher, and prospects Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart will look to continue their development down on the farm.
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