Major League Baseball

Jose Molina, Rays agree on contract

Published Nov. 28, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Free-agent catcher Jose Molina has signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that includes an option for the 2013 season, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.

Molina, 36, is known for his expert handling of pitchers and has an intimate knowledge of the Rays’ opponents in the American League East after spending the last four and a half seasons with the Yankees and Blue Jays. He’s coming off one of the best offensive years of his career, posting a .281/.342/.415 line in 55 games with Toronto.

Tampa Bay has three other catchers on its 40-man roster: Jose Lobaton, Robinson Chirinos, and Nevin Ashley. Molina will give the Rays the veteran, right-handed-hitting presence they are losing with the expected departure of Kelly Shoppach.

The Rays, knowing the Molina deal was imminent, dealt incumbent catcher John Jaso to Seattle on Sunday for reliever Josh Lueke.

Catchers have been signing at a higher rate this off-season than players at all other positions: Free agents Rod Barajas (Pirates), Henry Blanco (Diamondbacks), Matt Treanor (Dodgers), Brian Schneider (Phillies), and Gerald Laird (Tigers) have already agreed to contracts for next year.