PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets seemingly ended the debate on who will be their starting catcher by yesterday signing Rod Barajas to a one-year contract, according to an industry source.
The 34-year-old Barajas will move atop the club’s depth chart, ahead of Omir Santos, Henry Blanco, Josh Thole and Chris Coste.
Barajas was initially offered a minor-league contract by the Mets for about $1 million, but the team relented and offered a major-league deal for the same amount after the Rangers got involved in the bidding. In addition to $1 million guaranteed, Barajas stands to make another $1 million in incentives.
Barajas hit .226 with 19 homers and 71 RBIs last season for the Blue Jays. He also threw out a respectable 34 percent (27-of-80) runners attempting to steal against him.
* The Mets are trying to void their waiver claim of pitcher Jay Marshall after it was determined the lefty had a pre-existing shoulder injury. Marshall, who was told not to report to camp, was claimed off waivers from Oakland last month. The commissioner’s office will decide on the case.
mpuma@nypost.com