Boston Red Sox release A.J. Pierzynski
Pierzynski signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox worth $8.25 million and never quite lived up to the money. Over the two seasons prior to this one, he had batted .275 and hit 44 home runs combined. With the Red Sox, he batted .254 and managed just two home runs.
The 37-year-old catcher was designated for assignment on July 9, but no offers cane through. Now, the Red Sox will hope that someone takes a chance on Pierzynski in a weak catcher trade market, or else they’ll have to pay out the $3.6 million on his contract.
Kansas City Royals trade for Jason Frasor
The Royals were looking for pitching in this trade market and found Frasor early in the process. The Royals traded right-hander Spencer Patton in return for Frasor, the 36-year-old former Rangers reliever.
Frasor is having a strong season, with a 3.34 ERA and a 9.1 K/BB ratio in 29 2/3 innings with the Rangers. He’ll add depth to a Royals’ bullpen that ranks 16th in the league in ERA (3.62) and 21st in strikeouts (255).
The Royals, however, will likely keep looking for a starter to add to their 13th-ranked rotation. They could also shop underperforming designated hitter Billy Butler. Rest assured, this is likely not the last deal for the Royals.
New York Yankees acquire Jeff Francis
The Yankees picked up veteran reliever Jeff Francis from the Athletics for a player to be named later. The team needed both starters and relievers desperately, but Francis’s 5.89 ERA is not the most welcome sight for Yankees fans.
However, the Yankees needed to bolster their 22nd-ranked bullpen and Francis came at a low price. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last three appearances with the Athletics, so if he can keep that consistent with the Yankees, he could find a place in their bullpen.
Seattle Mariners release John Buck
The surprising Mariners, who stand at 51-44 on the season, seem to be set at the catcher position now, with Mike Zunino and Jesus Sucre in the fold. Buck was once the starter, but his .226 average and just one home run wasn’t enough to warrant staying on the team.
Buck, the 34-year-old veteran, might get looks from a few teams in a trade market that lacks reliable catchers. After all, he has 843 hits in his 11-year career that includes stints with six different teams.
St. Louis Cardinals claim George Kottaras
It doesn’t come as a surprise to many that the Cardinals would attempt to pick up another catcher in an effort to fill the void left by Yadier Molina, who is out for 8-12 weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb. Kottaras was designated for assignment by his former team, the Cleveland Indians.
Kottaras did relatively well in limited time for the Indians this season, batting .261 with three home runs and five RBIs in 12 games. He has already played two games for the Cardinals, where he is 0-for-2.