2010 Free Agents: Catchers

Seattle Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima has chosen to opt out of his contract with the Mariners and become a free agent. His name is thus added to the below list of potential 2010 Free Agents. The list is short and frankly Johjima is now probably the best name on the list. I assume that Johjima would be a Class A Free Agent but I'm not sure of that yet. It may not matter because Johjima is saying he wants to return to Japan to finish his career.

"After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have decided to return home to resume my career in Japan," Johjima said in a statement released by the Mariners. "I have had a wonderful experience competing at the major-league level. The last four years have been extraordinary, with great teammates and great coaches. I will always be indebted to the Mariners organization for giving me the opportunity to follow my dream. This was a very difficult decision, both professionally and personally. I feel now is the time to go home, while I still can perform at a very high level. Playing close to family and friends was a major factor. I will miss the Seattle fans and their gracious support. Thank you all."

Bookmark this post as it will be updated as players begin to sign or re-sign with teams.

Key Sleepers: none

Catchers
Rod Barajas TOR (B)
Josh Bard BOS
Michael Barrett TOR
Henry Blanco SD - The Mets finalized a one-year, $1.5 million deal with catcher Henry Blanco
Ramon Castro CWS
Chris Coste - The Mets have agreed to a one-year contract with Chris Coste
Ramon Hernandez * CIN (B)
Kenji Johjima --Former Seattle Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima agreed to join the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League.
Jason Kendall MIL (B) - Kendall, 35, reached agreement Friday with the Royals on a two-year contract believed to be valued around $6 million
Jason LaRue STL - The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that veteran catcher Jason LaRue has agreed to a one-year contract for the 2010 season.
Chad Moeller BAL
Benji Molina SF (A)
Jose Molina NYY

Miguel Olivo * KC (B) - Olivo received $100,000 from the Royals as a buyout on his $3.3 million mutual option.

Mike Redmond MIN
Ivan Rodriguez TEX (B) - Ivan Rodriguez signed a two year $6 million deal with the Washington Nationals.
Brian Schneider NYM - Brian Schneider signed a two-year contract with the Phillies, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.
Yorvit Torrealba * COL (B)

Jason Varitek * BOS (B) - Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox - He decided pretty quickly after the Sox declined his $5 million option that he was picking up his $3 million deal. However, there were 48 hours of a “let’s see if we can get some incentives changed’’ tango. The Sox feel Varitek will be a good backup catcher and will continue to help Victor Martinez. And no, the Sox will not strip the “C’’ off his jersey. The Sox might have considered Mark Wagner as their backup if Varitek had not returned.
Gregg Zaun * TB - Catcher Gregg Zaun and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a $2.15 million, one-year contract.

The Orioles on Tuesday, November 10th, signed minor league free agent catcher Michel Hernandez, who played in 35 games for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, batting .242 with a homer and 12 RBIs. He was 9-for-46 (.196) with six RBIs in 55 games with Triple-A Durham in 2009.