Colorado Rockies Sign Catcher Michael McKenry To A Minor League Deal

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies have come to terms with former Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael McKenry on a minor-league deal with a Spring Training invitation. If the 28-year-old McKenry does in fact make the MLB roster, he would earn up to $750K. This is McKenry’s second-stint with the Colorado Rockies as the catcher appeared with the club in 2010 playing in six games. McKenry would get eight plate appearances but would not collect a hit.

McKenry burst onto the scene in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Pirates after hitting .233/.320/.442 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI’s in 275 plate appearances. He is known for his defense in which he boasted a 1.7 fWAR in his limited time behind the dish. The 2013 campaign didn’t go as planned for the catcher as he batted a meek .217/.262/.348 for the Pirates, but only appeared in 41 games, going 25-for-115. If McKenry does in fact make the team, the Rockies won’t necessarily look for him to provide much offense but will look for him to be solid behind the dish.

I like the McKenry signing because it provides flexibility at the catcher position where Colorado has struggled defensively. Wilin Rosario is just 24-years-old and still has time to evolve his defensive mechanics, but was first in the NL with errors committed at the catchers position with 12 in 2012, and third last year with 9.

If you remember, Colorado was trying to sign a veteran catcher this offseason, pursuing the likes of Brian McCann and Carlos Ruiz, but couldn’t outbid the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.