Jeff Mathis deal with Rangers 2 years, $6.25 million, per reports

The Texas Rangers deal with catcher Jeff Mathis is two years, $6.25 million, per the National guys on Twitter. Mathis is reportedly getting $3.25 million in 2019 and $3 million in 2020.

At that price, with Mathis likely slated for backup duty, it seems harder to argue that declining Robinson Chirinos’s $4.75 million option for 2019 was a cost-cutting move. Mathis, as has been widely reported, is considered a stellar defender and game-caller, and this seems to be motivated, at least in part, by a desire to have Mathis work Isiah Kiner-Falefa and, potentially, Jose Trevino, though Trevino seems likely to start the season in the minors. It also seems likely that Mathis is here to help with the development of the Rangers young pitchers coming up, such as Taylor Hearn, Joe Palumbo, and Jonathan Hernandez, all three of whom are considered likely to be in Arlington in 2019.

Mathis has not officially been signed or added to the active roster yet.