The Diamondbacks agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with veteran Chris Iannetta on Friday, giving them the three-headed catching scenario they’d been contemplating since they non-tendered Welington Castillo in early December.
At his best, Iannetta, who turns 34 in April, brings a combination of power and on-base skills with solid pitch-framing ability. However, his production in all of those departments has fluctuated throughout his career, particularly in the past couple of years, likely contributing to the Seattle Mariners’ decision to decline his $4.25 million option for 2017 in November.
Iannetta is expected to split time with another veteran in Jeff Mathis, who signed as a free agent in December, as well as Chris Herrmann, who also has the ability to play all three outfield positions.