With the move of Joe Mauer from catcher to first base, the Twins are on the hunt for a new backstop.
There are already four potentials on the 40 man for the Twins – Ryan Doumit, Josmil Pinto, Chris Herrmann and Eric Fryer – all of whom puled some catching duties this past year. But according to the Boston Globe and other sources, the Twins are making a move for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, fresh off a World Series win with the Red Sox.
Saltalamacchia could get a three-year deal in the $30 million range, which would seem to be a good dealfor a team looking for a switch-hitting, power-hitting catcher at age 28, according to the Globe.
SB Nation reports that the Sox haven’t made an offer to resign “Salty” because he wants a three-year deal, and the Sox are only interested in two.
HardBall Talk from NBC Sports says the Twins have him on their radar, and suggests the Twins could afford him.
Saltalamacchia is coming off of his best season, a big improvement over 2012. He increased his batting average and on-base percentage by about 50 points each, and some felt his defense took a step forward as well – with a better arm than he had previously shown.
The Pioneer Press reports that the Twins are more interested in Saltalamacchia now that Brian McCann has signed with the New York Yankees and Carlos Ruiz has re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The paper adds they have shown interest former Twin A.J. Pierzynski, who posted a career-low .297 on-base percentage this season with Texas and will play next season at age 37. But a return from A.J. would certainly confuse those Twins fans who have inexplicably booed him since he was traded from the club.
