Red Sox ink catcher Pierzynski to one-year deal

The Boston Red Sox and veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski have agreed to a one-year, $8.25 million contract, according to reports. 

Pierzynski had been rumored to be signing with different teams over the past few days, so it was only about time for the catcher to decide on a contract. He, 37 in a few weeks, played well on both sides of the plate. In 2013, he hit .272/.297/.425 with 17 home runs and 70 RBI. Pitchers had a 3.60 ERA when Pierzynski was behind the plate, much better than the MLB average 3.93 mark. He threw 33% of runners stealing out last season. Pierzynski is a reliable threat on both sides of the plate. 

The Red Sox 2013 catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, looks to be headed elsewhere, as teams have shown interest in the catcher. Red Sox catchers in 2013 played very well, posting the third highest OPS of any catchers in 2013. The fact that Jarrod Saltalamacchia could have been leaving made the Red Sox in the market for a catcher. They definitely settled that need well, with A.J. Pierzynski, a reliable, veteran catcher. 

The Marlins, Twins, and White Sox seem to be the favorites for Saltalamacchia.