The Tampa Bay Rays and veteran catcher Jose Molina are reportedly working on a deal to return in 2014 and perhaps beyond.
Buster Olney reported that the two sides could be working on a two-year deal. Tampa Bay Times writer Mark Topkin confirms that the deal could be finalized next week.
At age 37 Molina batted .233./.290/.304 in 99 games for the Rays last season and clearly his best offensive of years are behind him. The team is enamored with his defensive play, handling pitchers and framing pitches.
Barring a trade or a free-agent signing, Molina would likely be teamed again with Jose Lobaton as Tampa Bay’s catching combo.
Catching options such as Brian McCann, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and A.J. Pierzynski are well beyond the Rays’ price range.
