Tigers offically sign Pelfrey, add Saltalamacchia
The Detroit Tigers officially announced the signing of right-hander Mike Pelfrey to a two-year contract on Sunday, and with it came a surprise.
Detroit general manager Al Avila also announced the signing of veteran catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a one-year deal.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports the deal is for the league minimum.
The Marlins, who originally signed him to a three-year, $21-million deal before the 2014 season, will cover the rest of his $8 million salary for 2016 after releasing him last May.
Saltalamacchia reportedly received varying levels of interest from the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and Arizona Diamondbacks, reports MLB Trade Rumors.
The 30-year-old backstop split 2015 between the Miami Marlins and Diamondbacks, hitting .225/.310/.435 with nine home runs, and 24 RBIs. He'll compete for the Tigers' backup catcher position.