Mesoraco Agrees To Contract Extension
All-Star Catcher Avoids Arbitration With 4-Year Deal
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the club has agreed to a 4-year contract extension with All-Star catcher Devin Mesoraco through the 2018 season, avoiding arbitration.
Mesoraco, 26, in 2014 was named to his first All-Star team and finished 21st in the Baseball Writers' Association of America's National League Most Valuable Player Award voting. He led all Major League catchers in home runs and RBI.
"This is another example of rewarding a player we drafted and developed," Jocketty said. "We are pleased to be able to sign him for the next four years and expect him to be an integral part of the team."
Mesoraco was selected by the Reds in the first round (15th overall) of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. He made his Major League debut with the Reds in 2011 and has played in parts of 4 big league seasons with Cincinnati, including a breakout year in 2014 in which he batted .273 with 25 HR, 80 RBI, .359 OBP and a .534 SLG in 114 games.
"Devin has proven himself to be one of the leading young catchers in the game and we think there is the potential for an even brighter future," added Jocketty.
Following the 2014 season, Mesoraco was eligible for arbitration for the first time.