Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune is hearing from some team executives that the New York Yankees are in talks with free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
According to executives with other teams, the Yankees are in talks to sign A.J. Pierzynski. Certainly seems like a good fit for both sides.
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) December 4, 2012
Pierzynski is one of the most hated player in the game. Image: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Speculation began that Pierzynksi could be on the Yankee radar once Russell Martin was signed away by the Pittsburgh Pirates. While he offers little in the way of controlling the running game, Pierzynski has a reputation as a good receiver and handles a pitching staff well.
A left handed hitter with power, Pierzynski seems a natural fit for Yankee Stadium. Pierzynski will be 36 later this month, but is coming off a career year with the White Sox in 2012. In 135 games, Pierzynski belted 27 home runs and had 77 RBI. His .827 OPS was also a career-best.
The Yankees aren’t the only big market club looking for help behind the plate and Texas may be interested in Pierzynski as well. The Yankees would be wise to strike quickly if they’d like to finish a deal with the former all-star as the Rangers seem to be focused on other areas at the present time.
Though he’s advancing in age, Pierzynski has been one of the most durable catchers in recent memory and could be in line for a two-year deal.