Red Sox sign catcher to add depth within in the system
The Red Sox signed catcher Mark Kolozsvary to a minor league contract on Friday, per ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. The deal will also include an invitation to spring training.
"(Catcher) Mark Kolozsvary has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, per source," McDaniel said. "Deal comes with a spring training invite. Kolozsvary played in the big leagues with the Reds in 2022 and in AAA with the Orioles and Twins in 2023."
Kolozsvary was designated for assignment by the Orioles this past week. He spent the time with the O’s top affiliate the Norfolk Tides, slashing .162/.250/.265 in 20 games. The backstop was also in the Twins system last season.
The University of Florida alum has appeared in 11 major league games split between the Reds and Orioles.
Kolozsvary is a former member of Team USA that competed in the 2021 Summer Olympics.
The new Sox’ backstop has been compared to Tucker Barnhart, he’s however a little smaller, but good behind the plate and pitchers love throwing to him.
"I love throwing to Mark," Reds top prospect Nick Lodolo said back in 2021. "He's made huge improvements, overall – hitting, fielding – when he got to Prasco. He'll tell you too, he's not the player he is now. He worked his butt off there, especially catching and hitting with (hitting coordinator) C.J. (Gillman). He's turned into something."
The 28-year-old will provide depth at the upper levels for the Red Sox next season. Boston recently signed two-time Gold Glove catcher Roberto Perez who will also see time at Triple-A Worcester.
The Red Sox currently have Connor Wong and Reese McGuire on the major league roster. Kolozsvary will compete with Stephen Scott, Elih Marrero, recent Rule 5 pickup Mickey Gaspar as potential backstop options for the WooSox.
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