ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Angels today agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Rene Rivera. In a corresponding move, LHP Nate Smith has been designated for assignment. Today's announcements were made by Angels General Manager Billy Eppler.
Rivera, 34, completed his ninth big league season in 2017, splitting the year between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. He combined to appear in 74 games and batted .252 (55/218) with nine doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI. Additionally, he successfully caught 15 of 41 would be base-stealers (37%). After opening the season with the Mets, Rivera was claimed off waivers by the Cubs on Aug. 19 and would go on to bat .341 (15/44) with five doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI in his 20 games with Chicago. He did not appear on the Cubs postseason roster.
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rivera has appeared in 473 career games with the Mariners (2004-06), Twins (2011), Padres (2013-14), Rays (2015), Mets (2016-17) and Cubs (2017). He owns a .220 career average (289/1316) with 58 doubles, two triples, 36 home runs and 153 RBI. For his career behind the plate, he has thrown out 36.4% of would-be base-stealers (119/208). Among all active catchers (min. 3000 innings caught), Rivera ranks second in caught stealing percentage behind only Yadier Molina (41.2%).
Angels agree to terms with Rene Rivera
The Angels today agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Rene Rivera. In a corresponding move, LHP Nate Smith has been designated for assignment. Today's announcements were made by Angels General Manager Billy Eppler.
January 10th, 2018