Red Sox Agree to Deal with Catcher AJ Pierzynski

The Red Sox have agreed to a deal with catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal. The contract seems to close the door on Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was acquired by the Sox at the 2010 trade deadline and is now a free agent.

Pierzynski, 37 later this month, signed a one-year deal with the Rangers last offseason and went on to hit .272 with 17 home runs in 529 plate appearances. He offers good power for the position and has displayed perhaps the best durability behind the dish in baseball. Pierzynski will be paired with David Ross in Boston. The contract represents the first free agent deal of the offseason for the World Champion Red Sox, who still need to address first base at the least with Mike Napoli a free agent. The Twins and Blue Jays were reportedly among the other teams showing interest in Pierzynski this offseason.

Pierzynski is already the seventh catcher to sign a Major League deal, following Brian McCann (Yankees), Carlos Ruiz (Phillies), Dioner Navarro (Blue Jays), Jose Molina (Rays), Brayan Pena (Reds), and Francisco Pena (Royals). Saltalamacchia now appears the only starting option on the free agent market, though it's possible the newly non-tendered J.P. Arencibia could get significant playing time with a new team in 2014. In addition, the Reds seem likely to trade Ryan Hanigan.

On the Salty front, reports said that Boston offered a two-year deal, but, obviously, it was not agreed upon. The swtich-hitting catcher has also reportedly been offered a contract by the Miami Marlins.

The deadline to tender free agents was last night at midnight (east coast time) and the Red Sox non-tendered Andrew Bailey and Ryan Kalish. It was thought, and reported Sunday, that Bailey would be tendered a deal, but that was not the case. The oft injured and former rookie of the year will become a free agent and more than likely sign with another team. He has battled through right thumb and right shoulder problems over the last two seasons.

Kalish, who has not played a game since 2012 because he underwent surgery on his right shoulder last winter and then cervical fusion surgery in August, was drafted by the Red Sox in the ninth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. As he came up through the farm system, many compared him with former fan favorite Trot Nixon because of his hard-nosed style of play.

But aside from 2010, when Kalish got 179 at-bats for the Red Sox, he was never healthy enough to develop into the player the club had hoped. He is still only 25 years old, meaning it's possible he can still reach his potential.