Report: Arizona Diamondbacks land free agent catcher Chris Iannetta
Jan 13, 2017, 3:49 PM | Updated: 8:39 pm
Seattle Mariners' Chris Iannetta, right, is congratulated by Shawn O'Malley after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Thursday, June 23, 2016 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Arizona Diamondbacks did not tender the contract of their 2016 starting catcher Welington Castillo, which resulted in him going elsewhere. Having already added a veteran catcher in December, the D-backs decided to sign another.
It was reported Friday that Chris Iannetta, an 11-year pro who was a free agent, agreed to a deal with Arizona.
Diamondbacks have signed Catcher Chris Ianetta to a one-year deal for $1.5 million with performance bonuses
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 13, 2017
OFFICIAL: The #Dbacks agree to terms on a 1-year contract with catcher Chris Iannetta. pic.twitter.com/7aDzOCFAYO
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 14, 2017
In a corresponding roster move, catcher Juan Graterol was designated for assignment.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 14, 2017
Iannetta played for the Seattle Mariners last season, where he batted .210 with seven home runs in 94 games. He added 24 RBI, 14 doubles and 38 walks, earning a .303 on-base percentage.
The right-hander joins two catchers who were on the team last season (Chris Herrmann and Oscar Hernandez), and another long-time veteran in Jeff Mathis, who the Diamondbacks signed in December.
Iannetta began his career with the Colorado Rockies in 2006, where he enjoyed his first six seasons in the majors.
He batted .235 for the Rockies in 458 games, tallying 63 home runs, 236 RBI and 241 walks. He was on that Colorado team who made it to the World Series in 2007 and the postseason in 2009, but didn’t appear in a postseason game in either season.
In November of 2011, Iannetta was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. After one season, he re-signed with the Angels for another three years.
In four years in Los Angeles, he hit .226 in 394 games, adding 37 home runs, 142 RBI and 192 walks. His 2014 Angels team made it to the postseason, but they got swept by the Kansas City Royals. He had one hit in the three games of the series, which was a solo home run.
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