Red Sox believe in Saltalmacchia & avoid arbitration

The Red Sox have avoided another arbitration hearing by signing catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.  The deal is non-guaranteed and is considerably higher than what some were predicting Salty would earn.  Matt Swartz of MLBTR had Salty in the range of $1.6 million for next season so needless to say Saltalamacchia is getting a nice raise.

The signing and substantial raise shows the Red Sox have the confidence in Saltalamacchia despite not living up to his hype and attention he was given when he was with the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers.

Injury has delayed Salty’s development in his career, but after a full year in Boston and splitting time with veteran Jason Varitek last season he has proven he can hit for power and can more than contribute offensively.

Last season, his first full season with the Red Sox he hit 16 homers to go with a decent offensive statistical line of .235/.288/.450 in 386 plate appearances.  Decent numbers considering he struggled mightily in April, putting up a line of .216/.273/.275 with no homers and no RBI.

Heading into spring training Salty will likely be the starting catcher but will be given some rest from Kelly Shoppach who was signed earlier this off season.  Ryan Lavarnway could push either Salty of Shoppach for a spot on the roster, but will likely do so well into the season.

Moving forward, if Salty can continue to produce offensively he will likely garner another raise after next year and could be used as a mentor for Ryan Lavarnway.  His defensive ability to nab base stealers proves he has the arm to defend behind the plate, throwing out 25% of attempts last year, far better than Varitek.

Furthermore, the skeptics are out on Lavarnway and whether or not he could transition into a full time catcher for the Red Sox.  He has the lumber but his defense may be lacking, making Saltalamacchia that much more valuable.

This deal is a great deal for both involved.  It instills trust in Salty from the organization and if he can continue to improve this year then he may just be labelled as the Red Sox catcher of the future, well the next few years anyway.  If he struggles and again doesn’t live up to the hype then a one-year deal will allow the Sox to part ways with him and explore other avenues.

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