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Report: D-Backs agree to 2-year, $4M deal with Mathis

Adam Hunger / USA TODAY Sports

Minutes after the Arizona Diamondbacks opted to non-tender Welington Castillo, the club reportedly agreed to a two-year, $4-million deal with free-agent catcher Jeff Mathis, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, citing sources.

Arizona will represent the fourth organization for the 12-year veteran, who spent the last four years as a backup with the Miami Marlins. In 41 games last season, Mathis hit .238/.267/.333 with two home runs and four doubles.

Mathis will likely serve as the backup to Chris Herrmann in the desert and provides the club with a much cheaper alternative to Castillo, as the 29-year-old was projected to earn $5.9 million in arbitration before being non-tendered.

The non-tendering of Castillo and the signing of Mathis continues new general manager Mike Hazen's attempt to shed payroll. Hazen also traded away Jean Segura late last month for right-hander Taijuan Walker and shortstop Ketel Marte.

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