Yankees Reportedly Sign Former Mets Catcher Josh Thole
By Karl Rasmussen
The Yankees have lofty expectations for the 2020 campaign and enter the year as World Series contenders. Despite having already added a pair of veteran catchers this offseason in Erik Kratz and Chris Iannetta, Brian Cashman and Co. further addressed the position on Tuesday.
The Yankees reportedly signed former New York Mets catcher Josh Thole, per Joel Sherman.
#Yankees signed former #Mets catcher Josh Thole to a minor league deal. He would get $600,000 if he makes it to the majors. Joins Chris Iannetta and Erik Kratz on minor league pacts behind Sanchez/Higashioka. Thole hasn’t played in majors since 2016.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 28, 2020
Thole will be joining the Yankees on a minor-league deal, and he'll reportedly earn $600,000 if he reaches the big leagues.
The 33-year-old last featured in the bigs in 2016 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, appearing in 50 games. He's never been an elite hitter, owning a career slash line of .242/.313/.306 with 9 homers and 111 RBI.
Per @Joelsherman1, the #Yankees have signed free-agent catcher Josh Thole to a Minor-League deal.
— Bronx Bombers News (@NewsBronx) January 28, 2020
He spent the 2019 season between Double-A and Triple-A, featuring for both the Dodgers and Angels' minor league affiliates. In total last year, Thole slashed .243/.352/.327.
Considering the other catchers in the Yankees' system, it may be difficult for Thole to reach the big leagues, but after the injury-riddled 2019 campaign the Yanks just endured, adding a bit more depth doesn't hurt.