Sunday, January 12, 2014

Mets sign Taylor Teagarden

The Mets have signed catcher Taylor Teagarden to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. His contract will be worth $750,000 if he reaches the big leagues. 

Also, he would receive a $25,000 bonus for each of 60 and 80 games spent on the roster, and he has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out if he is not called up by June 15. 

Teagarden, a former third round pick, hit .167 in a brief stint with the Orioles last season. Over the course of his 6 year career, he has slugged 20 homers with 63 RBI in 163 total games.

He was designated for assignment by Baltimore on September 1st, but cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Norfolk.

Teagarden is simply a depth player, given that he provides what most fringe players would bring to the table. He is very similar to Anthony Recker in that he has some pop to his bat, but plays below-average defense and isn't cut out to be an everyday regular. 

Right now, the catching depth chart most likely goes as follows:

1. Travis d'Arnaud
2. Anthony Recker
3. Teagarden/Centeno
4. Teagarden/Centeno

Teagarden's only real shot at reaching the Major Leagues is if he battles out Anthony Recker in Spring Training, or if one of the top 2 catchers gets injured during the season. 

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