The Rays are expected to pick up catcher Jose Molina's $1.8-million option for next season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday. Molina's contract included a $300,000 buyout if the option was not exercised.
Molina didn't hit well last season -- he managed just a .223/.286/.355 (80 OPS+) in 102 games -- but the Rays aren't keeping him around for his bat. He threw out 33 percent of attempted base stealers compared to a league rate of 25 percent and is a noted marvel when it comes to framing pitches. Former Baseball Prospectus writer and current Astros front office member Mike Fast estimated last season that Molina saves his pitchers 35 runs per 120 games with pitch framing.
For reference, Matt Holliday was worth 35 runs above the average major-league hitter with his bat last season (he hit .295/.379/.497 for the Cardinals). As such, it's no wonder the Rays jumped at the chance to keep Molina around for under $2 million for 2013.
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