Former D-back Chris Iannetta agrees to deal with Colorado Rockies

Former Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta has agreed to a deal with the Colorado Rockies, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Ianetta agrees with rockies 8.5M 2 yrs

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2017

Iannetta was one of the key contributors in the 2017 season, hitting .254 with 17 home runs and 43 RBI.

With Iannetta’s departure, the need for a catcher becomes more pressing for the D-backs.

Along with Chris Herrmann and Jeff Mathis, Iannetta was one of three primary players in the catcher rotation and led the group with 70 starts behind the plate. Mathis had 56 while Herrmann had 35.

He did particularly well for Arizona in the clutch. Eight of Iannetta’s 17 home runs either tied or gave his team the lead.

The 34-year-old Iannetta spent the first six years in the majors with Colorado. For his career, Iannetta is hitting .231 with 124 home runs and 445 RBI.

Mathis will return to the team in the second year of his two-year deal while Herrmann is eligible for salary arbitration and was tendered a contract.

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