Report: Jarrod Saltalamacchia to sign with D-Backs

Former Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is expected to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks once he clears waivers. The deal was first reported by the Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro.

Saltalamacchia, 30, was designated for assignment by the Marlins in late April and subsequently released despite having signed a three-year, $21 million contract before the 2014 season. He struggled with the bat and behind the plate and lost his starting job in Miami to rookie J.T. Realmuto. So far this season Saltalamacchia has just two hits in 29 at-bats with 12 strikeouts.

The D-Backs have gotten very little production from their catchers. Primary catcher Tuffy Gosewich is hitting .208 in 20 games while backup Jordan Pacheco has a .250 batting average in 13 games.

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Arizona will pay Saltalamacchia the prorated league minimum with the Marlins still owing Saltalamacchia his $7 million salary for this season and another $8 million in 2016.

Given the minimal financial commitment and current situation at catcher, it’s absolutely worth it for the Diamondbacks to give Saltalamacchia an opportunity to show he can still contribute in the big leagues. Between 2011-2013 he posted a .761 OPS and averaged 18 home runs and 27 doubles per season with the Boston Red Sox and helped them win the World Series in 2013.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr