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UPDATE 6:47 PM EST: The deal is confirmed by Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel.
Update: Jarrod Saltalamacchia and #Marlins have agreed in principle to three-year, $21 millon contract
— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) December 3, 2013
Rumors have been swirling all day about the Miami Marlins looking to secure their catching position, and they seemed to have done just that. Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel reports that Miami has offered free agent catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a three-year, $21 million contract.
Per source, #Marlins offer to Jarrod Saltalamacchia three years, $21 million.
— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) December 3, 2013
Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio reported that Miami has already signed a deal, as per Jayson Stark of ESPN.
@jaysonst reporting the Marlins and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have agreed to 3-yr $21m deal #Marlins
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 3, 2013
It was suspected that Miami had initially offered a two-year deal with a third-year team option, but facing competition with the Minnesota Twins, the Fish decided to up the ante. Mike Beradino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (and formerly of the Sun-Sentinel as well!) reported that Saltalamacchia was in Miami visiting and discussing the deal in person.
Person w/direct knowledge: Saltalamacchia has a 3-year offer in hand from the #Marlins and is meeting today with MIA owner Jeffrey Loria.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 3, 2013
On its face value, the contract likes a steal at $7 million a season for Miami, a team that had Jeff Mathis log a significant amount of plate appearances at catcher last season. The Fish faced competition from the Twins, who were looking for a replacement for the recently shifted Joe Mauer. The Boston Red Sox had settled for A.J. Pierzynski earlier today, leaving Miami and Minnesota as the primary competitors for the 29-year-old native of West Palm Beach.
Marlins fans, what do you think? Fish Stripes will have more on the signing as the evening continues, but do you guys like the deal? Is it the right price? Let us know in the comments.
