*Photo from The Athletic*
It seems as if the San Francisco Giants like catchers. The Giants have signed veteran C Curt Casali to a one year contract, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. The deal is worth $1.5 million. Casali will compete for the backup catcher job behind starter Buster Posey. The Giants have confirmed the deal.
Casali spent the short 2020 season with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .224 with 6 homers and 8 RBI in 31 games played, posting an .866 OPS as well. In Casali's 7 major league seasons, he has a .230 average with a .728 OPS, hitting 37 homers and 105 RBI in 328 games played. Casali has spent his career with Tampa Bay Rays for 4 years, and the Reds for 3. Casali was non-tendered by the Reds at the start of December.
Casali has some relationships with members of the Giants already, being a close friend of star OF Mike Yastrzemski, dating back to their college days at Vanderbilt. Casali has also caught pitchers Kevin Gausman and Anthony Desclafani when they were teammates on the Reds. Casali also became Trevor Bauer's personal catcher last season with the Reds, and with Bauer being the best free agent pitcher on the market, Casali could certainly help sway Bauer to the bay area.
Casali was asked about potentially luring Bauer to the Giants, given Casali's relationship with Bauer. Casali said that "I can try to sell him if you guys want me to. I talk to him frequently. Would I love to have him be a part of the Giants? Yes, absolutely. If I'm ever instructed to woo him, I will."
Casali will compete for the backup job with a sudden plethora of catching depth in San Francisco. Casali, re-signed Chadwick Tromp, and top prospect Joey Bart will all be fighting for playing time this season behind Posey, whenever spring training gets underway.
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