:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52339457/usa_today_8752783.0.jpeg)
The Tampa Bay Rays signed journeyman catcher Michael McKenry, according to Jon Heyman.
Michael mckenry signs with rays
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 17, 2016
In McKenry's Rays minors deal, 900K if in majors, 475 incentives, can opt out 3/30 and 6/1, spring invite.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 17, 2016
The Rays were able to secure McKenry on a minor league deal, that could allow him to opt out at the end of spring training or two months into the season, but if he sticks with the team, he’ll serve as some solid catching depth. That will be even more important as Wilson Ramos recovers from surgery and likely won’t catch until June at the earliest.
Michael McKenry has spent parts of the last sevens seasons in the majors with seven different organizations, including four organizations in 2016. He is considered to be a bat-first catcher who hits lefties better than league average and is no slouch vs. righties either. For his career he’s slashed .238/.318/.406 for a 95 wRC+ and has accumulated 3.1 fWAR in 953 career PA. Steamer projects him to slash a similar .231/.321/.387 for a 92 wRC+ in 2017.