MLB Rumors: Ex-Red Sox Veteran Set To Join AL East Rival

The Red Sox should probably add “backup catcher” to their list of offseason needs, because theirs is joining a division rival.

Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5 million deal that includes a mutual option for a second season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Tampa Bay Times’ Mark Topkin was the first to report interest, adding that the contract has a $500,000 buyout.

Jansen spent just a few months with the organization, originally being acquired on July 27 in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays — which saw three prospects (infielders Cutter Coffey and Eddinson Paulino, and pitcher Gilberto Batista) head north of the border.

The Red Sox didn’t get much production out of the 29-year-old, who slashed .150/.270/.237 over his final 204 trips to the plate last season.

Jansen did, however, become the first player to play for both teams in an MLB game in August. That’s kinda cool.

Boston reportedly was not interested in a reunion, and it’s unlikely they go out and grab another right-handed option behind the dish. Connor Wong looks primed to hold onto his role as the primary catcher, with prospect Kyle Teel and potentially an outside addition competing for the backup job in camp.