RADIO
The Cincinnati Reds wasted no time in locking up their blooming franchise catcher, nailing down Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension. The deal is a smart investment on the Reds’ part, as it buys out all three of Mesoraco’s remaining arbitration years, as well as his first year of free agency, meaning the 26-year-old won’t be able to test the market until he reaches age 30.
Mesoraco arrived on the scene in 2011 but it really wasn’t until this past season when the talented catcher made his mark and exhibited exactly why he was a top prospect coming up. The right-handed slugger hit .273/.359/.534 with 25 HR, 80 RBI, and 25 doubles, this all coming in just 114 games in 2014. Of course, the Reds figure he can pick up those impressive numbers with a full season slate.
While the Reds regressed as a team in ’14, they are hopeful that Mesoraco can continue to be one of the main offensive core pieces, along with Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, Billy Hamilton, Todd Frazier, and newly-acquired Marlon Byrd, that helps them get back on track in the improving NL Central. With a lineup featuring that type of ammunition, there should be aplenty of runs still at the boom-box known as Great American Ballpark.
