Marlins release Jarrod Saltalamacchia

The Miami Marlins released catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia today, they announced.

The club was unable to find a trade partner for the catcher. Saltalamacchia was recently designated for assignment as the Marlins decided to move on to catching prospect in J.T. Realmuto as their main backstop.

Teams with some interest in Saltalamacchia included the Diamondbacks, Rays, and Royals, but none were likely willing to take on the salary they would have needed in order to acquire him. Saltalamaccia is owed $7 million this season and $8 million in 2016.

Now, if Saltalamacchia clears release waivers, teams will be able to sign him for the big league minimum salary of $510,000, with Saltalamacchia still being paid the $15 million over the next two years from Miami.

Saltalamacchia's release comes following a terrible start to the season in which he slashed .069/.182/.207 in 33 plate appearances. After posting a 118 OPS+ with Boston in 2013, Saltalamacchia has not been the player the Marlins wanted. He has a 84 OPS+ in 468 plate appearances with Miami over the past two years. 

--Devan Fink

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