Ross gets a a new deal and more playing time with the Red Sox
Free Agent catcher David Ross reached agreement Saturday with the Red Sox on a two-year, $6.2 million free-agent contract, according to major-league sources. Ross , 35, batted .256 with a .770 OPS in 196 at-bats as Brian McCann’s backup last season with the Atlanta Braves.
The deal is contingent on Ross passing a physical.
This will be Ross’ second stint with the Red Sox having played with them briefly in 2008 after being released by the Cincinnati Reds. FoxSports.com quotes a source as saying the right-handed hitting Ross will be “more than a backup but not a starter.” The Red Sox plan is unclear but naturally leads to more speculation.
The Red Sox have returning catchers Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway. Both struggled against left-handers. Saltalamacchia hit .170/.211/.283 against left-handers this year and Lavarnway hit .157/.211/.248.
Presumably Ross will platoon Saltalamacchia. Lavarnway could returned to Triple-A Pawtucket to further refine his skills or be dealt this winter. Saltalamacchia hit 25 home runs in 2012 and and figures to be a less likely trade option for the Red Sox.
