MLB Player News

Manager Dave Martinez said he plans to split catching duties between Gomes and Kurt Suzuki, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Gomes was traded from the Indians to the Nationals in late November, shortly after the team signed Suzuki. Gomes slashed .266/.313/.449 with 16 home runs in 435 plate appearances last season, but Suzuki has been similarly impressive at the plate over the last two seasons. Gomes should still come out ahead in terms of playing time due to his age and superior defense, but it appears as though he won't begin the season in a traditional everyday role.

Casali had hip surgery over the offseason, but he's expected to be ready for Opening Day, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Casali was an ideal backup for the Reds last season, hitting .293/.355/450 in 156 plate appearances. But barring an injury to starter Tucker Barnhart, he's unlikely to get more playing time this year, and of course there's plenty of danger in relying on his small sample size from last year as a candidate to repeat.

Realmuto was traded from the Marlins to the Phillies on Thursday in exchange for catcher Jorge Alfaro, pitchers Sixto Sanchez and Will Stewart, and international slot money, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Realmuto is one of the top catchers in the entire league, and after an offseason filled with trade rumors, he finally found a new home for at least the next two seasons. The 27-year-old is coming off his first 20-homer campaign while batting at least .275 for the third consecutive season. Now that he'll get to hit in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Ballpark, there's a good chance he could repeat if not exceed those figures as he aims to garner his second All-Star selection.

Mesoraco signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training.

The oft-injured catcher split time between the Reds and Mets last season, compiling a .221/.303/.398 slash line with 11 homers and 33 RBI. With Wilson Ramos in town, Mesoraco will have to battle with Travis d'Arnaud and Tomas Nido for backup catcher duties to start the season, further limiting his fantasy upside.

Knizner was extended an invitation to the Cardinals' major-league spring training, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

This isn't much of a surprise after Knizner tore it up at Triple-A Memphis with a .315/.383/.407 slash line. The 23-year-old is now the clear heir apparent to veteran Yadier Molina after Carson Kelly was traded to Arizona in December as part of the package to acquire Paul Goldschmidt. There's no guarantee Knizner will see much time in the majors this season given Molina's track record, even if he breaks camp as the No. 2 catcher, but Knizner could see some opportunities should any injuries crop up for the veteran.

Stewart signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Thursday which includes an invitation to spring training.

Stewart split time between Atlanta and Arizona in 2018, appearing in just eight big-league games between both stops. With Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejia both ahead of Stewart on the organizational depth chart, the veteran backstop doesn't figure to spend much (if any) time in the majors in 2019.

Thole signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Thole hasn't appeared in the majors since 2016, when he hit .169/.254/.220 across 136 plate appearances for the Blue Jays. He spent time in the independent Atlantic League in 2018, slashing .317/.425/.367 across 17 games. Look for him to serve as organizational catching depth in 2019.

Grandal passed his physical Monday and officially signed with the Brewers on a one-year, $16 million contract that includes a $16 million mutual option for 2020, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

When Grandal and the Brewers first agreed in principle Jan. 9, initial reports suggested the catcher would sign a one-year, $18.25 million contract. Instead, it was clarified Monday that Grandal's deal will guarantee him at least $18.25 million, as the 2020 option contains a $2.25 million buyout if not exercised. The structure of the contract keeps the door open for Grandal to remain in Milwaukee for two years and earn $32 million in salary plus award-based incentives, but the 30-year-old will presumably be eager to test the market again next winter in pursuit of a longer-term deal. Grandal reportedly turned down a four-year, $60 million offer from the Mets earlier in the offseason before New York turned its attention to other catching options.

Hedges signed a one-year, $2.06 million contract with San Diego on Friday, avoiding arbitration., Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Hedges posted a .231/.282/.429 slash line with 14 home runs in 326 plate appearances in 2018 as he split time with veteran A.J. Ellis and then rookie Francisco Mejia behind the plate. The Padres are likely to give Mejia a chance to earn the starting gig, but Hedges remains a solid defense-first option, though his fantasy outlook will remain limited with playing time not guaranteed.

Realmuto signed a one-year, $5.9 million deal with the Marlins on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com reports.

Realmuto and the Marlins were able to reach a number without the help of an arbiter despite the backstop reportedly having no interest in signing with the team long term. He's under control for two more seasons. Rumors persist that those seasons will be spent outside of Miami though no trade currently appears imminent.