Mets Sign Barajas

The Mets have come to terms with Rod Barajas on a major league deal worth at least $1MM, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Rosenthal says the 34-year-old catcher can make $1MM more in easily attainable incentives.

Since the Type B free agent agreed to a major league deal, the Blue Jays will receive a supplemental first-round pick (#41 overall) as compensation. Barajas turned down an offer of arbitration earlier in the winter and it probably cost him. He made $2.5MM with the Blue Jays last year and it would have been a surprise to see the club offer a significantly reduced salary. The Blue Jays, who signed catchers Jose Molina and John Buck, would not have obtained the compensation pick if Barajas had signed a minor league contract.

Meanwhile, the Rangers, who offered $1.5MM according to Jon Heyman of SI.com, will have to look elsewhere after missing out on both Jose Molina and Barajas. Texas is in search of a catcher to contribute while Jarrod Saltalamacchia recovers from shoulder surgery.

Barajas was weighing several minor league offers earlier in the week, including ones from the Mets and Rangers, before the Mets offered a major league deal.

Mets catchers hit a league-worst .254/.305/.380 last season. Barajas hit .226/.258/.403 for the Blue Jays in 460 plate appearances, hitting 19 home runs.

Mets Reach Agreement With Rod Barajas: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com