MIAMI — The Miami Marlins have released catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, making him a free agent.
The move Tuesday came eight days after Saltalamacchia was designated for assignment. The Marlins parted ways with the veteran even though he has nearly two seasons left on the $21 million, three-year contract he signed before the 2014 season.
He played poorly last year and lost his starting job early this season to top prospect J.T. Realmuto.
Saltalamacchia batted .222 last year with a slugging percentage of .357, worst among regular catchers. He also committed 15 errors, the most by a catcher since 2003. This year he is 2 for 29 (.069) with 12 strikeouts.
