Report: Blue Jays express interest in catcher Saltalamacchia

Jarrod Saltalamacchia scores on a J.D. Martinez two-run double as Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole looks on during a game last year. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Sportsnet Staff January 23, 2017, 2:42 PM

The Blue Jays have expressed interest in catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.

The #BlueJays have expressed an interest in free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Could use a backup for Russell Martin.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 23, 2017

Saltalamacchia, a switch-hitting free-agent, batted .171/.284/.346 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs in 92 games with the Detroit Tigers last year. The 31-year-old veteran of 10 seasons is best known for his strong run with the Boston Red Sox earlier in his career — clubbing a career-high 25 homers in 2012 and winning a World Series with the team the following year.

In 2016 Saltalamacchia logged 548.1 innings behind the plate, compiling -3 Defensive Runs Saved. According to StatCorner’s Catching Report, he was slightly lower than average in pitch-framing metrics.

Along with left-handed relief, obtaining a catcher to back up regular Russell Martin is among the Blue Jays’ top priorities.

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