MLB free agents 2016: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski to re-sign with Braves

Joe Rodgers

MLB free agents 2016: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski to re-sign with Braves image

The Braves have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, pending a physical, Fox Sports reported. The deal is worth $3 million, according to CBS Sports; Fox's Ken Rosenthal

Pierzynski gets $3M from #Braves, as @JonHeymanCBS said. $1M signing bonus, $2M base salary plus chance to earn another $1M in incentives.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 12, 2015 ">reported the deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, $2 million in base salary and the chance to earn another $1 million in incentives.

Pierzynski, 38, was one of the top catchers in a thin free-agent market. He will be entering his 19th season in the big leagues. The left-handed hitter batted .300/.339/.430 with nine homers and 39 RBIs in 113 games last season for Atlanta. He committed just two errors.

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Even though he has a habit of rubbing people the wrong way, Pierzynski has played in at least 100 games every year since 2001 and has never hit below .251 in a season.

He could find him self splitting catcher's duties next season, however.

Pierzynski is the oldest catcher on a major league roster, beating out the Cubs' David Ross by months.

 

Joe Rodgers