The Rangers agreed to a two-year deal with free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba for $6.25 million Monday. Because Torrealba is a Type B rated player and because they offered him arbitration, the San Diego Padres will receive a compensation pick in the supplemental round after the first round, but the Rangers will not have to give one of their picks as compensation.
The signing likely sets the Rangers' catching tandem for 2011, as Matt Treanor will likely be Torrealba's caddy. Torrealba's offensive production has taken a positive turn in the past two seasons, as he hit .291/.351/.380 in 213 AB for the Rockies in 2009 and .271/.343/.378 in 325 AB as the Padres' primary catcher last season. Rangers catchers hit .212/.288/.317 in 2010.
Torrealba also grades out well defensively according to most metrics. He threw out 37% of baserunners in 2010 and is 30% for his career. He will turn 33 in July and will be in his 11th major league season. Treanor will be 34 on opening day.
To discuss the move, head over to Lone Star Ball.