Marlins To Re-Sign Jeff Mathis

According to multiple reports, the Marlins have agreed to sign a one-year $1.5MM deal, plus 100k in available incentives with free agent backstop Jeff Mathis. Miami for some time has been looking to resign the veteran who has been with the team for the past three seasons.

Mathis is not regarded much as a great offensive catcher as last year he hit .161 with 2 HR and 12 RBI’s in 93 at bats. Since joining the team in 2013, Mathis has underperformed far worse than his career batting stats. Nevertheless, that is not why the Marlins enjoy keeping him around.

Mathis has always been known as a well defensive catcher behind the plate. In the span he has been with Miami, Mathis has only had one error in each of the three seasons. In addition, he posted fielding percentages of .998 in the first two years, and achieved a .996 last season. Mathis has also thrown out more than 50% of runners each year.

Mathis is also known to be a great leader in the clubhouse with veteran experience. He has done well guiding and controlling this young pitching staff as well as helping out the young players on Miami’s roster into developing to their full potential.

Mathis will backup young Marlins star J.T. Realmuto, who has shown great signs of becoming a breakout All-Star catcher. Mathis coming back next season is something Realmuto himself will be very happy about.