Miami Marlins News: Jarrod Saltalamacchia Designated

The Miami Marlins shocked baseball today by designating catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for assignment after just one year (and a month) with the team.

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Saltalamacchia was set to come off the paternity list when he got the news that he was being designated. Being designated for assignment means that the Marlins have removed Saltalamacchia from the 40 man roster and must do one of the following transactions.

Place the player on waivers (which can only be done within the first 7 days of the 10-day period)
Trade the player
Release the player
Outright him off the 40 man and sent him to the minors. Since Saltalamacchia is a veteran he can not be sent to the Minor Leagues without his approval.

The Miami Marlins can also put him back on the 40 man roster after 10 days if none of those transactions happen.

Saltalamacchia who was coming off a World Series, agreed to terms with the Marlins on a 3 year, 21 million dollar contract in the winter prior to the 2014 season. The Marlins thought they had a catcher that can produce until J.T Realmuto was ready but Saltys’ time in Miami was a disaster. The switch hitting catcher hit just .220 with home runs and just 44 RBIs. He also struck out 146 times last year.

Salty hoped to rebound in 2015 especially with the pressure of Realmuto being close to being Major League ready. But Salty again got off to a really slow start going on just 2 for his first 29 at bats with a team high K% of 36%.

Marlins back-up catcher Jeff Mathis had broken his finger in a game against the Rays which led to the Marlins calling up top hitting prospect J.T. Realmuto. J.T. got off to an impressive start and suddenly Saltalamaccia started to see his starting role disappear.

Salty spoke out about his benching to the media saying he was “pissed” but wasn’t going to hold the team back.

Saltalamacchia and his wife was expecting a baby so the Marlins placed Salty on the paternity leave. Salty was set to come off from the list today but the Marlins had other plans which is shocking because it shows they value Jhonatan Solano more as a back-up catcher until Mathis comes back which is quite surprising since they are paying Salty 7 million a year.

There are rumors swirling around that the Marlins are in talks with five teams about Saltalamacchia.

There would be no shock if a AL team calls the Marllins about a potential trade for Salty so he can DH or if Salty goes unclaimed and elects Free Agency ecpect him to sign in the AL somewhere.

What seemed like a great signing for the Marlins at the Winter Meetings, has turned into a disaster for both sides.

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