Veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski is heading to the world champion Red Sox on a one-year contract worth approximately $8 million, according to multiple reports.
Pierzynski, who will be 37 next season, had 17 homers and 70 RBIs for the Rangers in 2013. The left-handed hitter previously spent eight seasons with the White Sox — winning a ring in Chicago in 2005 — after playing for the Twins (with David Ortiz) and Giants.
Pierzynski is known as much for his prickly demeanor — he’s been in a few scuffles and famously stole first base on a swinging strike during the 2005 ALCS — as his adept handling of pitching staffs. He was within one out of becoming the first catcher to participate in two perfect games this April with Yu Darvish, after receiving Philip Humber’s perfecto in 2012.
The move signals the end of free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s tenure in Boston. The switch-hitter reportedly was seeking at least a three-year commitment.
Righty-swinging David Ross remains in the bearded fold as the backup, and catching prospects Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart are regarded as not too far away from the big leagues.
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