Blue Jays Sign Dioner Navarro

Navarro signing could signal deal for Arenciabia is in the works.

Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The rumor mill went a-whirling earlier today when word got out that the Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent catcher Dioner Navarro were close to a deal. That would later be “announced” as such…

A couple of years ago, seemed like hardly anyone had an interest in Navarro.Three consecutive supbar offensive seasons saw the backstop looking for work…in the minors. The Cincinnati Reds inked him to a minor league deal which paid dividends to not only the Reds, but Navarro as well. In his 62 games for Triple-A Louisville, Navarro posted am impressive triple slash of .319/.382/.449. He was selected as an International League All-Star.

When called up in September 2012, Navarro “replaced” Devin Mesoraco as the Reds backup catcher and served as such on their postseason roster. But the Reds did not bring him back and the Cubs were the beneficiary of his best offensive season.

Last season, Navarro played in 89 games (266 PA) and crafted a triple slash of .319/.382/.449 with 13 home runs, all career highs. He also drove in 34 and scored 31 runs. But the Cubs went in a different diraction (as did the Reds) to look for a backup to Welington Castillo by trading for George Kottaras.

Now the Blue Jays hope they signed the Dioner Navarro that can continue to build off last season’s performance, especially on the offensive front. Defensively, you might be getting much of the same.

But this signing means more to the Blue Jays. Navarro could find himself as the #1 catcher.

You know Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos will be working the phone in seeking a good deal for J.P. Arencibia‘s services. Arencibia did suffer from a downturn in his offense (.194/.227/.365) during the 2013 season, but still has some pop in his bat with 39 home runs over his past two seasons.