According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals have signed catcher Austin Nola to a one-year deal. Nola was just released by the Milwaukee Brewers today. Nola has options and is under team control until 2025. The complete financial details of the contract are still unknown.
The five-year veteran backstop is coming off his age 33 seasons with the San Diego Padres, where he struggled, slashing .146/.260/.192 with one home run and 18 RBI in 154 plate appearances. Before last year, he had always been a decent backup as he compiled a .249/.326/.370 with 24 home runs and 136 RBI over his five-year career.
The Royals have backup catcher Freddy Fermin, who broke out last year, but the depth behind him was a struggle. Nola should provide the Royals with a safety net in case Fermin struggles. It is still unknown if the Royals will carry three catchers coming out of spring training. A corresponding move has yet to be announced, but Kris Bubic could possibly be placed on the 60-day IR. Stay tuned, as there will likely be more to come.
