Red Sox free agent catcher signs with division rival Rays
Free agent catcher Danny Jansen has agreed to a one-year, $8.25 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. The deal also includes a mutual option for 2026, talks of the agreement was first reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
The 29-year old catcher was acquired by the Red Sox as a rental prior to the MLB trade deadline. Boston traded minor leaguers Cutter Coffey, Eddinson Paulino, and Gilberto Batista to the Blue Jay in return for Jansen.
The veteran catcher was brought in to be an upgrade both offensively and defensively in a tandem with Connor Wong. The belief was he would provide a productive right handed bat to balance out a lefty-heavy lineup. Unfortunately, on the offensive side, Jansen underwhelmed slashing .188/.323/.300 in 30 games.
Coming into the Red Sox off-season, it was and is still a need for at least a backup caliber catcher. Wong is the only one that is currently on the 40-man roster. Top prospect Kyle Teel, who will need time in the minors, remains in the waiting in the wings. Beyond him the Red Sox signed Seby Zavala on a minor league deal in November.
Including Jansen, the catching market has already had Travis D’Arnaud (Angels), Kyle Higashioka (Rangers), Jacob Stallings (Rockies), and Austin Hedges (Guardians) agree to contracts. It is one of the fastest moving positions this off-season. The remaining players available include Carson Kelly, Gary Sanchez and Elias Diaz.
