Yankees Sign Catcher Erik Kratz to Minor League Deal After Release From Rays

The Yankees added more catching depth to their organization Saturday, announcing the signing of journeyman catcher Erik Kratz to a minor-league contract and his subsequent assignment to Triple-A Scranton.

Kratz is already on his third team this year, spending time with the San Francisco Giants and the Tampa Bay Rays before latching on in New York. Kratz was on the Brewers in 2018 and accumulated a 0.9 fWAR, pretty respectable value for a career backup.

In 10 seasons with as many different teams, however, Kratz is hitting just .205. A veteran with experience on various major league clubs, he brings valuable defense to the plate and a steady presence for the locker room.

Interestingly, Kratz was also with the Yankees last year before landing on the Brewers in the second half of the season. The veteran catcher should be seen as nothing more than organizational depth and a potential injury replacement, but as the Yankees have been experiencing first-hand this season, having a deep roster can save a team in crisis mode.