Mariners sign veteran catcher John Buck for 2014 season
Buck has hit 63 home runs over the last four seasons, 5th-most among MLB catchers.
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik today announced the signing of free agent catcher John Buck to a contract for the 2014 season. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Buck, 33, has combined to hit 63 home runs over the last four seasons (since 2010), 5th-most among Major League catchers behind Brian McCann (85), Matt Wieters (78), Carlos Santana (71) and J.P. Arencibia (64). Last season he appeared in 110 games with the New York Mets (101 G) and Pittsburgh Pirates (9 G). He was traded to Pittsburgh on Aug. 27 to join the Pirates for their postseason run.
In 10 Major League seasons he has appeared in 1,058 games and slugged 133 home runs. His 1,018 career games behind the plate (973 starts) are 5th-most among active catchers.
To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Carlos Peguero has been designated for assignment. Seattle now has 10 days to trade, release or outright the contract of Peguero to the minors.
Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Peoria, AZ on Feb. 12 (physicals) and holds its first workout Feb. 13. Position players are scheduled to report for physicals Feb. 17 and the first full-squad workout will be held Feb. 18.