NOV. 12: The Braves have formally announced Pierzynski’s new contract, via press release.
NOV. 11, 7:33pm: Pierzynski gets a $1MM signing bonus, a $2MM base salary and another $1MM worth of incentives, tweets Rosenthal, who also adds that the veteran catcher had a more lucrative offer but chose to return to Atlanta instead.
7:13pm: Pierzynski will receive a $3MM base salary on his new contract with the Braves, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
5:23pm: The Braves and veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski are in agreement on a one-year contract, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (links to Twitter). The Hilliard Sports Management client will return to Atlanta for his second season in 2016, pending a physical.
Pierzynski may be turning 39 years old in December, but he didn’t show his age last season with the Braves, hitting .300/.339/.430 with nine homers in 113 games as Atlanta’s primary catcher. Pierzynski also caught 24 percent of opposing base-stealers, which was below the league average but fell right in line with his career norms. Pierzynski earned a $2MM base salary plus another $700K worth of incentives, and it would seem that his strong 2015 play has positioned him to earn a raise in what will be his 18th Major League season.
The Braves have been rumored as a potential landing spot for Matt Wieters this offseason, but the re-signing of Pierzynski would seem to dampen the possibility of a match with the Atlanta and the former Georgia Tech star. The Twins were an oft-rumored destination for Pierzynski, having attempted to sign their former catcher to a two-year deal prior to the 2013 season and also having expressed interest at the trade deadline. However, Minnesota swung a trade to acquire John Ryan Murphy from the Yankees earlier today, presumably taking them out of the market for Pierzynski’s services.
Pierzynski, for the time being, figures to slot in atop the Braves’ depth chart at catcher, although the organization does have a highly touted young receiver in Christian Bethancourt. However, Bethancourt is coming off a disappointing season and has yet to establish himself in the Major Leagues. Reports have indicated that the Braves are interested in upgrades behind the plate, and they’ve been linked to younger catching options that could be long-term pieces behind the dish. As such, it’s probably wise to not yet rule the Braves out on adding further catching help, as Pierzynski could certainly profile as a backup given his advanced age, even if his bat still appears potent enough for regular starting duty.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
It’s like there’s no good free agents on the market anymore! Man these huge pieces are flying off the shelves!
Hope they kept it under 5 million
I’d guess like 3-4 mil
Good resigning. Perhaps Lucroy may be more obtainable now that Milwaukee is open to dealing- not that the price has gone down. I don’t see how Bethancourt holds any value as even his defense (which was once his ticket to the majors) was not as advertised mainly due to laziness.
I doubt the Brewers sell low on him. Atlanta wanted him last year and if the Brewers were willing to sell low they could have done it then
I’m completely okay with this…there is no reason to tie money up in a long term contract to a catcher after he is 30. Wieters especially scares me, he seems a lot like Mauer minus the concussion issues.
Good start to the off-season, Coppolella. Now if you can add a #2 starter, a few above average relievers & 1 big bat to our arsenal, then maybe, just maybe 10 to 15 more wins will become more of a reality for ‘our’ Braves in 2016. As opposed to that horse dung we fans had to endure this past season.
Started following the Braves in the beginning of 95. Last year, I didn’t recognize the team and now I’d rather watch everyone else across the country. I guess thats what happens when you have a fire sale and start over with a new roster. Strangely, I don’t feel bad because it is exactly what they intended to do to this team. I don’t enjoy Braves baseball anymore. I love the game but have no loyalty for the Cobb County Barons.
See ya, fair weather.
If you think 20 years is fair weather, think again young man. They sold out. Liberty doesn’t care about ‘your’ team. Go ahead and ride that new wave. I won’t be there. Might sound bitter but I dont care.
Yea yea, and in 20 years whatever team you root for will sell out and be like us too (I say “us” because you aren’t included).
Any one who is not dedicated to a team will quit when the right reason comes along. Like I said, see ya.
I’m not a Braves fan because they “do well” or I “know the players” or “like the owners”. I’m a Braves fan because just because.
Does it stink to go through this? Heck yes! Do I agree with every move made by this front office? Heck no! Fredi G is still a manager! But who cares. You’re either a fan, or a band wagon fair weather.
If you aren’t a fan, don’t voice your opinion, “young man”.
Your new name shall be Sally Fairweather
Way to give em’ hell, Chop!!! ; )
Lol just lol
I am glad that they were able to re-sign AJ. And if the part of the article about him leaving money on the table is true, than perhaps even he believes in this rebuild. He also probably knows that he will be dealt to a contender at the deadline. Maybe he will get lucky like Gomes who finished the years with the Royals. It is hard to see such roster turnover and “penny pinching” but I really do believe it will lead to good things in a few years. Go Braves
I’m glad they resigned him. I think he’s a suitable bridge until a long-term piece comes into play.
He might be a pain in the rear, but he’s been a very productive player. And while at his age, you never know. He’s been consistent and a guy you can figure on for 100 games….10HR…50rbi and a 270 average.
Yes. I fully expects Pierzynski to be flipped this summer to a contender. He took a little less money and stayed with a rebuilding Braves team because the other better FA contract offer(s) were apparently with club(s) that train in Arizona. He gets to stay closer to his off-season home for spring training and the first portion of 2016 and then might have an opportunity to play for a postseason club to finish the season…and perhaps his career.
We love you Pierzynski. Love that he came back even though someone offered him more.
Good job Coppy! AJ lives close to their Spring Training complex in Orlando, which I bet had a little to do with it too.