The Rays announced today that they have signed catcher Chris Herrmann. His agreement on a minors pact was previously reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter).
A trio of other players have also joined on with minors deals that include invitations to MLB Spring Training. Outfielder Ryan LaMarre and hurlers Aaron Slegers and D.J. Snelten will each be in camp.
Herrmann joins Kevan Smith as incoming backstops who’ll compete for spots on the depth chart. It’s possible the club could carry a third catcher on its active roster, given the presence of a 26th man, but otherwise Herrmann and Smith will face an uphill battle to unseat Michael Perez as the backup to Mike Zunino.
There’s some built-in advantage here for Herrmann: he’s a left-handed hitter (as is Perez) and has experience in the outfield, increasing his utility. The 32-year-old has also shown well at times with the bat, though he’s only a .205/.282/.344 hitter through nearly a thousand MLB plate appearances.
LaMarre will provide some outfield depth. The 31-year-old hasn’t seen much big league action. He carries a .281/.349/.415 batting line in 1,513 trips to the plate over parts of seven Triple-A seasons.
Both of the pitchers are 27 years of age. The right-handed Slegers spent last year with the Tampa Bay organization, making one MLB appearance and throwing 112 1/3 innings of 5.05 ERA ball at Triple-A. Snelten, a southpaw, worked in the indy ball ranks in 2019. Over twenty starts for the Chicago Dogs, he carried a 3.12 ERA with 112 strikeouts and 43 walks in 118 1/3 innings.
Snelton is a sneaky good get. obviously the American Association isnt the big leagues, but he posted pretty good numbers. LaMarre is also an underrated option for a team’s 26th man, though i thing TB doesnt have the room for him in the Majors.
The Rays are always sneaky good. Never underestimate their ability
I agree on Snelton… he was pretty effective throughout his minor league career and it’s kind of surprising he had to settle for Indy ball last year given how effective he was in the minors prior to a rough 2018 — if he can carry some of the success he had in Indy ball over to the pros he could quietly be a solid LH-relief option – or even spot starter. Good low risk, high reward signing. As for LaMarre he’s had some solid seasons in the minors as well, I remember him from his year with the Red Sox organization — however at this point I think he’s really nothing more than organizational depth, though a consumate professional and one worth carrying as a decent org depth OF who can handle himself professionally in ML ABs should an injury or similar need arise. Snelton though – I’m more intrigued by and will be interested to see if he can provide anything going forward. best of luck to all of the ml signees of the Rays. Who knows anyone of them could surprise us.
Was LaMarre the one who’s uncle caught his first career home run?
That would be a cool story!
Paging Mr Herman. Mr Herman you have a minor league contract at the front desk.
LOL
Paging Dr Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr Howard
Slegers, Herrmann & LaMarre are all former Twins prospects. I think LaMarre could be a decent 4th outfielder. Herrmann has had his moments and has some pop. All 3 could see time on the MLB roster.
Slegers Herrmann & LaMarre
Attorneys at Law
Nothing against the 3 but hopefully they do not get the chance. Slegers could possibly eat up a few innings. Rays are already a bit crunched. Gonna be real creative to get some ABs to guys that deserve decent looks. Again feel that Choi will be the odd man out this season and i dont like it. I like the depth though.
When the Rays pick up guys like this and they succeed, I hear a collective sigh and subsequent mass firing of scouts, from their former teams.
When the Rays pick up guys like this and they succeed, I hear a collective sigh and subsequent mass firing of scouts, from their former teams.
Christopher Herman, one of Chicago Fire’s best and co-owner of Molly’s.