Ryan Hanigan has a new home.
The Boston Red Sox declined to pick up the catcher and Andover, Mass., native’s $3.75 million club option this offseason, allowing the 36-year-old to hit the market as a free agent. And on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies announced that they signed Hanigan to a minor league contract.
Hanigan was a good backup for the Red Sox in 2015, but he spent a large chunk of 2016 on the disabled list and was part of a crowded group of backstops that included Sandy Leon, Christian Vazquez, Blake Swihart and Bryan Holaday at different points in the season. He slashed an abysmal .171/.230/.238, and injuries hampered his normally solid defense.
Hanigan’s deal with the Phillies includes an invite to spring training, so he’ll have a chance to make the major league roster before Opening Day. If he doesn’t, perhaps he’ll attract other suitors in need of a backup catcher if his spring performance is intriguing enough.
Hanigan reportedly will earn $1.25 million if he makes the Phillies and up to $375,000 in incentives based on starts, per SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
