Now that A.J. Pierzynski has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Red Sox, Jarrod Saltalamacchia will in all likelihood have a new home in 2014. Perhaps Miami could be Salty’s landing spot.
According to ESPN 1500’s Phil Mackey, the Marlins have offered Saltalamacchia a two-year contract with a club option for a third year. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported earlier in the day Tuesday that both the Marlins and Twins are continuing to pursue the 28-year-old catcher.
Saltalamacchia is coming off his best season yet. He hit .273 with 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, a .338 on-base percentage and a .804 OPS in 121 games, while also making strides from a game-calling standpoint. Red Sox pitchers frequently raved about Saltalamacchia’s preparation and work behind the dish.
ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes reports that the Red Sox never went beyond two years in their effort to re-sign Saltalamacchia, who is currently in the market for a multiyear deal. That appears to have been a sticking point, as the Red Sox clearly preferred a shorter deal with both Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart coming up through their minor league system.
The Twins have been linked to Saltalamacchia a few times this offseason, as they’re searching for a catcher to replace Joe Mauer, who is shifting to first base on a full-time basis. The Marlins are an interesting team to join the mix for Saltalamacchia, as the veteran catcher is a Florida native.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/407926715516981248 align=’center’]
[tweet https://twitter.com/PhilMackey/status/407947669525377024 align=’center’]
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
